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A SKETCH 



THE HISTORY 



NEWBURY, NEWBURYPORT, MB WEST NEWBURY, 



FROM P635 TO 184 6 



By JOSHUA COFFIN, A. B. S. H. S. 




For out of the old fieldes, as men saithe, 
Cometh the new come from yere to yere, 
And out of old bookes in good faithe 
Cometh this new science that men lere.' 



■ Lives there a man with eoul bo dead, 
"Who never to himself hath said. 
This is my oiim, my Jiative land ? * 



"% "^ O S T O N : 

PUBLI^ED BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE, 

No. 56 COEKHILL. 

PRINTED B¥ GEOROE COOLmGE, NO. sr WASniNOTON STREET. 

1845. 



^, 



%, ^ 

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i-I cl cc" ^' ";' *s" ►- "=0 o> g ;; iJ J2 




OLD-TOWN MEETING-HOUSE, 1700-1806. 



PREFACE, 



Those who are familiar with ancient mythology, will recollect the story of the 
' good Isis who went forth wandering and weeping to gather up the parta and 
fragments of her murdered and scattered Osiris, fondly yet vainly hoping that 
she might recover and recombine all the separate parts, and once more view 
her husband in all his former proportions and beauty.'* With equal assiduity, 
but with far less lamentation, has the compiler of the following pages been for 
many years engaged at intervals, in collecting the scattered fragments of ' Ould 
Newberry,' and has arranged his imperfect materials in the form which the}' 
now exhibit to the reader. No one can be more sensible than himself, of its 
deficiences, its want of symmetry and proportion, which the reader may, if 
he chooses, attribute as much to the want of skill in the artist, a.s to the lack of 

* Quarterly Register. 



IV 1' K K FACE. 

the requisite mateiiiils. Tliroiigliout the whole of tliis rompiUitiuii he lias en- 
deavored to m;ike a broad distinction between fact and tradition, and to lelate 
nothing as fact, which he does not believe to be true. Strype in his annals 
.sa3-s, ' I have chosen to set down things in the very words of the records and 
originals, and of the authors themselves, (rather than in my own, without 
framing and dressing them in more modern language,) whereby the sense is 
sure to remain entire as the writers meant it, whereas by affecting too curious- 
ly to change and model words and sentences, I liave observed the sense itself 
to be often marred and disguised.' This is the course that the compiler has 
taken. He has endeavored to give as accurate a representation as possible, of 
the character of the inhabitants of Newbury and their transactions, for over two 
hundred years, and has been desirous, in the language of Tacitus, ' sine ira, 
sine studio,' without fear, favor, or affection, neither 'to extenuate, nor aught 
set down in malice.' He is well aware that his statements in many places do 
not agree either with the tradition, or the belief, of many of the inhabitants 
of the town, or with history. Where he has been obliged to differ from com- 
mon opinion, he has done so for reasons, which to him appeared entirely satis- 
factory, and has been pleased to find that the instances have been very few 
where fact and tradition do not substantially agree. It is however much to be 
lamented, that so small a number of llie first settlers were in the habit of re- 
cording the tian.sactions of the day, and that the journals or diaries of those 
who made a record, should have been in so many instances lost or destroyed. 
Mr. Anthony Somerhy, the first school-master of Newbury, the ancestor of all 
of that name in this country, and one of our best and most useful citizens, 
kept a diary of passing events, as I have been informed by those who have 
.seen it, but of which no trace can now be found. An aged lady, one of his 
descendants, informed me that he versified the whole book of Job. Numerous 
instances might be given where valuable papers in large quantities, have 
been destroyed, because they were 'so old that nobody could read them.' 
' All are not such,' and among the many persons, who have in various ways 
rendered valuable assistance in the compilation of this work, the author can- 
not forbear mentioning the names of Messrs. Robert Adams, reverend William 
R. Bartlet, Daniel Dole, Moses Davenport, George Danforth, doctor Ebenezer 
Hale, doctor E. G. Kelley, Tristram Little, Josiah Little, Moses Pettiiigill, 
esquire, Horatio d. Somerby, of Bo.ston, and Charles Toppan, of Philadelphia, 
to whom he tenders his warmest acknowledgments for the interest they have 
manifested in the work, and the aid they have afforded toward its completion, 
and to all others not mentioned by name, who have rendered any assistance. 
If, as is undoubtedly the case, he has made any mistakes, or omitted any 
necessary or valuable information, he will be greatly obliged to any person or 
persons, who will correct those mistakes, or supply those omissions, as it is his 
intention still to continue to collect information, in order that some future his- 
torian may hi' able to supply his doficienccs, and at some future day may pre- 
pare a work, which will do justice to the reputation of ' Ould Newberry.' The 
sources whence the compiler of the present history has derived his materials, 
are almost innumerable, and to specify them all, would require a small volume. 
The principal are the colonial, province, state, county, town, church, and parish 
records. The town records have been well kept, and with the exception of a 
few missing leaves of the llrst book, are full and accurate. The records of the 



!■ li K I- A C E. V 

first church commence in Hul. the preceiling ti:msaclion<;ol' the church, having 
been to all appearance intentionally destroyed; a loss* very much to be regret- 
ted, but which has ia part been supplied by copious quotations from the county 
records. Some persons may suppose, that too many pages are occupied -witli 
the ecclesiastical atJairs of the town. It should be remembered that in no 
other way could the peculiar traits in the character of our ancestors be fully 
developed. It was the religious doctrines that they had embraced, and the 
consequent principles of religious and civil liberty, which they could not enjoy 
in their own land, that induced such a company of gentlemen, merchants, and 
mechanics, to emigrate from the populous and cultivated towns of their father 
land, to this then wilderness, and exchange, as many of them did, the sword, 
the awl, the needle, and the yard-stick, for the hoe, the axe, the anvil, and the 
plough ; and to omit a sufficient allusion to their religious principles and their 
actual development in practice, would be to narrate effects, and not notice the 
causes which produced them. No one can justly appreciate the character of 
our forefathers, and the sacrifices they made for their posterity, without a knowl- 
edge of those principles, which, like a main-spring, set every thing in motion. 
But enough has been said on this subject. Our attention for a few pages will 
be given to affairs more secular. 

The town of Newbury was originally one of the largest towns in the county. 
It was about thirteen miles long, and about six miles broad in the widest place, 
and contained about thirty thousand acres, of which nearly two thousand are 
covered with water. 

In 1764, it was divided into two towns, Newbury and Newburyport. In 
1771, a province valuation was taken, and in 1781, a valuation was taken by 
the state, in which Newbury and Newburyport stood thus. 

Newbury. Newburyport. 

750 87.5 Polls ratable. 

10 7 '■ supported by the town. 

75 51 " not supported by the town. 

437 430 Dwelling houses. 

36 60 Shops separate or adjoining other buildings. 

26 38 Tan houses, slaughter honses, &c. 

393 210 Barns. 

14 45 All other buildings of £5 value and upward. 

1450 113 1-2 Acres of tillage land. 

2380 86 3-4 " of English and upland mowing. 

10,802 113 1-2 " of pasturage. 

192 7176 Tons of vessels, of 5 tons burthen and upward. 

592 £74,131 Stock in trade. 

341 146 Horses and mares, 3 years old and upward. 
562 30 Oxen, 4 years old and upward. 
1468 1741 Cows. 4 years old and upward. 
645 160 Swine, 6 months old and upward. 
318 5149 Ounces of silver plate. 
£ 57,726 £ 24,668 Debts due to any person-S. 
£ 2825 Monies on hand. 

Newburyport also in 17.S1, had ten distil and '^usar houses, three rope walks, 



VI PREFACE. 

Ihirty-nine ware-houses, and eighty-seven thousand nine hundred superfi- 
cial feet of wharf. Newbury also had in 1781, sixteen grist, saw, fulling, and 
slitting mills, one thousand one hundred and six acres of fresh meadow three 
thousand one hundred and sixty-seven acres of salt marsh, made one thousand 
four hundred and thirteen barrels of cider, had, eight hundred and fifty-two acres 
of wood land, three hundred and three acres of unimproved land, and thirtv-five 
acres of land unimprovable, had ten colts, two years old, fourteen colts one 
year old, three hundred and one neat cattle three years old, three hundred and 
ninety, two years old, three hundred and fifty-five, one year old, and two thousand 
three hundred and seventy-six sheep and goats. In 1819, West Newbury was set 
off and incorporated as a separate town. The state valuation for 1840, is as fol- 
lows : 

Newbury, N.'wbtiryport. West Newbury. 

«59 1249 404 Ratable Polls 16 years old and upward. 

182 304 32 Male polls not ta.xed nor supported by tlie town. 

18 56 4 " " <■ supported by the town. 

401 832 301 1-2 Dwelling houses. 

6 1 — Rope walks. 

3 — 1 Grist mills. 

9 53 4 Shops within, or adjoining to dwelling houses. 

74 103 79 other shops. 

4 — 1 Tan houses. 

— 238 4 Ware houses and stores. 
6 1 — Rope walks. 

— 4 — Cotton factories, 11,046 spindles, and 280 looms 

in the same. 
2 1 — Woolen factories. 

240 800 — Spindles. 

376 318 219 5-12 Barns. 

SO 1-8 161 141 All other buildings and edifices of the value of 

$20 and upward. 

— 453,812 — Superficial feet of wharf 

2,397 1-2 13,456 — Tons of vessels and small craft of 5 tons bur- 

then and upward. 
2,01 1 1-2 41 2496 1-2 Acres of English and upland mowing, 

346 — 1084 1-2 Acres of fresh meadow, 

6,947 3-4 88 1-2 4,084 1-2 Acres of pasturage, 

888 1-4 — 279 Acres of woodland. 

201 1-2 — 190 Acres of unimproved land. 

The three towns also raised in 1840, eight hundred and eleven bushels of 
wheat, one thousaiul two hundred and forty bushels of rye, six thousand and 
seventy-three bushels of oats, fifteen thousand six hundred and thirty-five bush- 
els of Indian corn, and three thousand one hundred and sixty-six bushels of 
barley. There were also in Newbury, three thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
five and one half acres of salt marsh, and two thousand eight hundred and sixty- 
five and one half tons of salt hay cut on the same. Newbury also had two 
carding machines, two fulling mills, and one and a half saw mills. 

Since the first settlement of the town, that part of it now called Newburyport, 



PREFACE. Vll 

has witnessed great changes, not only in its business, but in its external appear- 
ance. In the printed programme of the procession, which honored general 
Washington with an escort in 1789, a conspicuous place was assigned to the 
' distillers,' who were then a numerous body of men. At that time there were 
ten or twelve distilleries in the town, and si.Y rope walks. Now there are but 
one of each, and manufacturing, a new and rapidly increasing business, is tak- 
ing the place of the West India trade, by which it once rose to great wealth. 

In 1796, doctor D wight thus writes : 

' Newburyport is probably the smallest township in the state, including only six 
hundred and forty acres. It lies on the southern shore of the Merrimac. The 
town is built on a declivity of unrivalled beauty. The slope is easy and ele- 
gant : the soil rich, the streets, e.xcept one near the water, clean and sweet ; 
and the verdure, wherever it is visible, exquisite. The streets are either paral- 
lel, or right angled, to the river ; the southern shore of which bends, here, to- 
wards the south east. None of them are regularly formed. Still there is so 
near an approximation to regularity as to awaken in the mind of a traveler, 
with peculiar strength a wish that the regularity had been perfect. For my- 
self I was not a little mortified to see so fair an opportunity of compassing this 
beauty on so exquisite a spot finally lost. As it is, however, there are few towns 
of equal beauty in this country. . . . The houses taken collectively, make 
a better appearance than those of any other town in New England. Many of 
them are particularly handsome. Their appendages also imusually neat. In- 
deed, an air of wealth, taste and elegance, is spread over this beautiful spot, to 
which I know no rival. . . . From the tower of the church belonging to 
the fifth Congregation, a noble prospect is presented to the spectator. On the 
west and south, spreads an extensive champaign country, ornamented with 
good farmers' houses, orchards, and cultivated fields, and varied by a number 
of beautiful hills. Behind them rise, remotely, two mountains, finely connect- 
ing the landscape with the sky. On the north flows the Merrimac, visible 
about four miles ; exhibiting two islands in its bosom, near the point, where it 
first appears ; and joining the ocean between two sand banks, on which are 
erected two movable Light houses. On the North shore stand the towns of 
Salisbury and Amesbury. Behind this the country rises gradually, parted into 
a variety of eminences ; one of them, which from its appropriation by the sav- 
ages, is called Powow hill, particularly handsome. Over all these ascends at 
the distance of twenty-five miles, the round summit of Agamenticus. North 
eastward, the Isles of Shoals appear at the distance of eight leagues, like a 
cloud in the horizon. Eastward the ocean spreads inimitably. At a small dis- 
tance from the shore. Plum Island, a wild and fantastical sand beach, is thrown 
up by the joint power of winds and waves into the thousand wanton fig-ures of 
a snow drift. Immediately beneath is the town itself, which with its churches 
and beautiful houses, its harbor and shipping, appears as the proper centre of 
this circle of scenery, and leaves on the mind a cheerfulness and brilliancy, 
strongly resembling that, which accompanies a delightful morning in May. 

' Newbury contains five parishes, in which are five congregations and a so- 
ciety of Friends. It is all settled in plantations, formed especially along the 
Merrimac of excellent land under good cultivation. The surface is generally 
pleasant, and remarkably so on the borders of the river from some of the emi- 
nences.' These eminences, of which the doctor speaks, are principally in 



VUl 



' I! ]'. F A c r. . 



West Newbury, and arc called Pipe-stave, Ciane-nec-k. Archelaus. Old-town, 
and Indian hills. With the e.\ception of the summit of Old-town hill, the land 
on all the swells in Newbury, is of the first quality. The Indian-hill farm, 
owned by colonel Benjamin Poore, is in a high state of cultivation, and received 
in 1843 the premium of two hundred dollars, from the committee of the 
agricultural society, who deemed it the best managed farm in the county. 
Newbury has also the honor of having the first incoi-poraled academy in the 
state, the first toll-bridge, the first chain bridge, the first incoi-porated woolen 
factory ; and the first vessel that displayed the American flag in the river 
Thames, was the Count De Grasse. commanded by captain Nicholas Johnson, 
of Newburyport. Many other interesting facts might be mentioned, for which 
I have no room. I will only add, for the information of the reader, that a brief 
sketch of the life of doctor John Clark, whose portrait is prefixed to this work, 
may be found in Thacher's Medical Biography. See also page 391. The wood 
cut of the first parish meeting-house, built in 1700, and demolished in 1806, is 
not an exact representation. It was drawn from the recollection of one person, 
by another, who never saw it. ' The roof was originally constructed with four 
gable ends or projections, one on each side, each containing a large window, 
which gave light to the upper galleries, where the young people sat. The 
children sat on a seat in the alley, fixed to the outside of the pews. Before 
the pulpit and deacon's seat, was a large pew containing a table, where sat the 
chiefs of the fathers. The turret was in the centre, and the bell was rung and 
tolled in the centre of the broad aisle. Originally, the space within was open 
to the roof, where were many ornaments of an antique sculpture and wainscot, 
and was, in the day of it, a stately building, but long before it was torn down, 
a steeple was substituted for the turret, the dormar windows were removed, 
and the roof thus made plain,' * as it appears on the third page. The reader 
of the following pages, will make the following corrections. Page 244, ' June 
seventeenth, 1774,' should be placed in 1775. On page 270, for 'captain 
Michael Smith,' read ' captain Samuel E. Bailey.' On page 363, for ' tattle,' 
read ' cattle.' On page 285, add ' reverend Daniel P. Pike, pastor.' Other errors 
the intelligent reader will undoubtedly notice, in the following sketch of Ould 
Newberry. 

* Revcrciul doctor Topkin. 



HISTORY OP NEWBURY 



1635. 

' OuLD Newberry,' as it was anciently called, was settled, incor- 
porated, and paid its first tax, in the spring of 1635. It derives its 
name from Newbury, a town in Berkshire, England, situated in the 
south part of the county, on the river Kennet, fifty-six miles west 
from London. It was so named in honor of the reverend Thomas 
Parker, who had for some time preached in Newbury, England, 
before his arrival in America. Till its incorporation in 1635 it was 
called by its Indian name, Quascacunquen, a name, which the 
natives gave, not to the whole territory, (as the wore! signifies a 
' waterfall,') but to ' the falls,' on what is now called the river Parker, 
on whose banks the first settlers fixed their habitations. As diflerent 
dates have been assigned by difierent persons for the first settlement 
of the town, some placing it in 1633, others in 1634, and others in 
1635, I will hero mention all the facts and assertions I have been 
able to find on the subject, and the reasons which induce me to 
suppose, that, if any, no permanent settlement was here made till 
early in the spring of 1635. In the Newbury records, under the 
year 1752, I find the following entry, which, as far as I can learn, is 
the origin of all the assertions, any where to be found, that Newbury 
was settled in 1633. 

' For religion's sake, as I trust, our forefathers left theii' native shore ; they 
bid adieu to their stately bnildincrs and goodly seats, and many of them took a 
final farewell of their friends, and shipped themselves and families on board 
file ship Hector for New Eni^land, and by the grace of God, they arrived in this 
wildemess in ihe year 1633, and this place was then called by the natives 
(Quascacunquen. Our fathers bcsan with courage to clear, manure, and till 
the land; the Lord was pleased to bless their industry, and the earth broiic;ht 
forth increase, and also the Lord added to their families and increased their 
number; and in the _\car 1G35, an the third month, called May, the great and 
general assembly was pleased to incorporate them into a town, and invested 
them with town privileges, and called the name thereof Newbury ; and our 
fathers beyan the year of births ;ind (U'allis, as bv record do appear, on the first 

■ 2 



10 HISTORY OF NEWEURY. 

of March and il hath liecn so continued; fiom time to timf. nnlil this day, and 
now by an act of Pailiament, we are ordered to beijin the year on the lir.st of 
January and in humble obedience to the crown and dignity, I shall proceed 
accordinn'lv ; viz. January ye first, 1752. 
.iccoiun ^y , JOSEPIi COFFIN, Town Clerk.' 

From tlic preceding statement, any person, Avithout examination, 
would be induced lo believe that ' our fathers,' the first settlers of 
Newbury, all came here in the year 1633, in the ship Hector. That 
this was not the case, we have abiuidnnt proof. In the first place, 
the word, Hector, the name of the ship in which it is said they came, 
is not in the original record, but was inserted there by some subse- 
quent hand, and cannot be true, as we have abundant evidence that 
a large majority of tVic first settlers of Newbury, came to New Eng- 
land at ditierent times and in cUfFerent ships, between the last of 
April, 1634, and July, 1635, as we shall hereafter see. In the next 
place, we have no proof that the Hector came to New England till 
1636, when Mr. Thomas Mihvard, who afterward settled in New- 
bury, came over as mate of that ship, as will be seen under that 
year. It is, however, possible, that the Hector came to New Eng- 
land in 1633, as, out of eight ships that ai-rived in ' this wilderness ' 
in that year, the name of one only is not known. In the year 1634, 
twenty -two ships arrived in New England. Of these, we know the 
naiTies of nearly all, but the name of tlic Hector is not among them. 
Those, therefore, who have supposed that their ancestors came to 
Newbury in 1633, in the Hector, must, in the absence of all proof, 
place no dependence on the apocryphal tradition, part of which 
has been interpolaled by some anonymous A\Ti1er. 

I now proceed to give my reasons for believing, that the territory 
which was afterward incorporated by the name of Newbury, was 
not settled till the spring of 1635. Possibly, there might have been 
a few interloping fishermen, who occupied a part of the coast, and 
the banks of the Merrimac and Quascacunquen during the fishing 
season, but who were not among the permanent settlers of Newbury. 

Governor Winlhro)). in his invaluable History of New England, 
vol. 1, pp. 98, 99, tlius writes, under date of seventeenth of January, 
1632-3. 

' The n-ovemor havin? inlelliaence from the cast, that the French had bought 
the Scotrish plantation near cape Sable, and that the fort and all the amraanitioii 
wee delivered to them, and that the cardinal, havina; the manaamg- theveol, had 
sent some companies already, and preparation was made to send many more the 
next year, and divers pdests and Jesuits anions them — called the assistants to 
Boston, and the ministers and captains, and some other chief meii, to advise 
what was lit to be -lone for our safety, in regard the French were like to prcive 
ill neighbours, (being papists :) at which meeting it was agreed that a p antation 
and a fort should forthwith be beniin at Natascott, partly to be some bloclc in 
an enemy's way, (though it would not bar his entrance.) and especially to pre- 
vent an enemy from taking that pas'saae from us; and also, that a plantation 
should be be-^un at Asawam. (being the best place m the land for til.lage ami 
cattle,) least an enemy, findiiig it void, should possess and take it from ns. 1 he 
"■overnor's son, (being one of the assistants,) was to undertake this, and to take 
no more out of the bay than twelve men ; the rest to be supphed at the coming 
of the next ships.' 



HISTOKY OF NEWBURY. 11 

Referring to this svibject, governor Hutchinson remarks: 

' Tt appears that the Massachusetts people took possession of tlie country at a 
very critical lime. Richlieu. in all probability, woiilil have planted his colony 
nearer the sun. if he could have found any place vacant. De Jlonls and com- 
pany had acquired a thorough knowleilge of the coast from cape Sables beyond 
cape Cod in 1604; indeed, it does not appear that they went round or to tlie 
bottom of IMassachuselts bay. Hud they once gamed foolmg theie, tliey would 
have prevented tiie English.'* 

From these quotations it is evident, that it was tlie determination 
of the iMassachusells cohiny, to extend their settlements eastward as 
fast as possible, and, as it was of great importance that the first set- 
tlers especially should be men of the right stamp, in 1630, Sejnem- 
ber seventh, 'all per.sons were forbidden,' by the court, ' to plant 
Avithin the limits of tlieir patent without leave.' ' A warrant shall 
forthwith be sent to Agawam, to comiuand those who ai-e planted 
there, forthwith to come away.'f Again, the coiut, April, 1633, 
' ordered that no person whatsoever shall go to plant or inhabit at 
Agawam, [now Ipswich,] without leave from the court, except those 
that are already gone with ]Mr. John Whithrop, junior, namely, 
J\lr. [William] ' Clerk, Robert Coles, Thomas Howlelt, John Bigg.s, 
John Gage, Thomas Hardy, Mr. [John] Thorndike,' and three 
others, names not given, all of whom had removed to Agawam the 
preceding month. 

In the course of the year 1633, eight ships with passengers, 
arrived in New England. In 163-1 twenty-two ships arrived, of 
which six arrived in JMay, fifteen in June, and one in November. 
These ships brought a large nuiuber of passengers, who soon found 
places to settle. In one of the ships, that arrived in May, came 
' Mr. [Thoiuas] Parker, a minister, and a company with him, being 
about one hundred, [and] went to sit down at Agawam, and divers 
others of the new comers.'^ 

So great, in fact, was the infiitx of emigraiUs to New England, 
that in niany places they could not be accommodated. 'Those 
of Newtown", [now Cambridge,] complained of straitness for want 
of land, csjx-'ci;illy meadow, and desired leave of the com-t, May, 
1634, to look out either for enlargement or removal, which was 
granted ; whereu^wn they sent men to see Agawam and Meniiuaek, 
and gave out they would remove.'^ They, however, went the next 
year, (October, 163-5,) to Connecticut. 

Hubbard, in liis history of New England, page 192, states, that 
' the plantation at Agawam, was froiu the first year of its being 
raised to a township, [August, 1634,] so filled with inhabitants, 
that some of them presently swarmed out into another i)lace a liule 
farther east^vard. i\k. Pai-ker was at first called to Ipswich to join 
with Mr. Ward ; but he choosing rather to accompany some of his 
jounlrymen (who came oiit of Wiltshire in England,) to that new 

* Hutchinson, vol. 1, pnge 30. 1 General court record. 

} WintUrop, vol. 1, page 133. § Wnithrop, vol. 1, page 132. 



12 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

place, than to be engaged with such as lie had not been acquainted 
withal before, removed with them and settled at Newbury, which 
recess of theirs made room for others, that soon after suppUed their 
places.' 

Now, as it is well known that Messrs. Parker, Noyes, Woodbridge, 
and company, did not remove to Quascacunquen till May, 1G35, 
the inquiry naturally arises why they did not remove to that place 
before, especially as Agawam was ' filled with inhabitants,' the 
situation of Quascacunquen being one of the best in the countiy, and 
the general court extremely anxious to extend their settlements as 
fast as possible. The answer to these questions may be found in 
Edward Winslow's ' Hypocrisie Unmasked ; whereunto is added 
a Brief Narration, (occasioned by certain aspersions.) of the true 
grounds or cause of the fn-st planting of New England,' and so forth ; 
lately reprinted in the ' Chronicles of the Pilgi-im Fat Iters of the 
Colony of Plymouth,' by reverend Alexander Young, Boston. As 
no copy of the original work, which was printed in small quarto in 
1646, was to be found in America, Mr. Young procured a transcript 
of the work from one in the British IMuseum. On pages 402, 3, and 
4, of that extremely valuable and ably edited collection, I find the 
following : 

' The next aspersion cast upon us, is, that we ^Yill not sufTei- any that differ 
from us never so little, to reside or cohabit with ns ; no, not the presbyterian 
government, which dilfereth so little from us. To Avhich I answer, our practice 
witnesseth the contrary. For 't is well known that Mr. Parker and Jlr. Noyce, 
who are ministers of Jesvrs Christ at Newberry, are in that way and so known, 
so far as as a single congregation can be exercised in it ; yet never had the 
least molestation or disturbance, and have and find as good respect from magis- 
trates and people, as other elders in the congreg-ational or primitive way.' 
' So also 'tis w'ell known that before these unhappy troubles arose in England 
and Scotland, there were divers gentlemen of Scotland that groaned under the 
heavy pressures of those times, wrote to know whether they might be freely 
suffered to exercise their presbylerial government amongst u.s ; and it was 
answered affirmatively that they might. And they sending over a gentleman 
to take a view of some fit place, a river called Meromeclc, near Ipswich and 
Newberry aforesaid, was showed tlieir agent, which he well Uteed, and where we 
have since four towns settled, and more may bo for aught I know ; so that there 
they nnght have had a complete prestiytery, and whither lliey intended to have 
come. Bat meeting with manifold crosses, being half seas through, they gave over 
their intendments : and as I have heard, these were many of the gentlemen that 
first fell upon the late covenant in Scotland.' 

Cotton Mather, in his IMagnalia, vol. 1, page 73, makes a similar 
statement, but neither he nor Winslow gives the date of the letter, or 
the time when the agent arrived. This deficiency is supplied, not 
only by Winthrop, but by the coin-t records. Tiie former, vol. 1, 
page 135, says, ' we received letters from a godly preacher, Mr. 
Levinston, a Scotchman in the north of Ireland, whereby he signi- 
fied that there were many good christians in those parts resolved to 
come hither, if they might receive satisfaction concerning some 
questions and propositions, which they sent over.' This was in 
July, 1634. The court records for September state, voL 1, p. 128, 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 13 

' it is ordered, tliat the Scoltishe and Irisli gentlemen, Avlio intends 
to come hither, shall have liberty to sett doun upon any place upp 
Men-imaclv river, not possessed by any.' From all these quotations 
it is evident, that the general court, in' September, 1634, had granted 
to this expected company, through their agent, a township of land 
at the mouth of jMerrimack river, and ' whiilier .they intended to 
have come;' that, after receiving satisfactory answers to their 
'questions and propositions,' they embai-ked for" New England, and, 
after performing about one half Iheii- voyage, ' they gave over IJieir 
intendments,' in consequence of the ' manifold crosses ' they met, 
and returned home. Now, when it is recollected, that ' the court 
had forbidden all jx-rsons to plant \\ithin the limits of their patent 
without leave,' and that the tenitory now called Ncwbrny had 
actually been granted to a company of 'good christians' who had 
'resolved to come liither,' and that the settlers at Agawam, [Ipswich,] 
must have known these facts, the reason is obvious why they neither 
took possession of the territory, nor asked permission so to do. 
Neither is it at all prol)ablc that they had heard of the failure of the 
intended expedition till tlic next spring. The reasons for this opinion 
are these. Of the twenty-two ships, which arrived in New England 
during the year 1634, one only arrived after Jmre, and that was the 
' Regard,' which came in November. This opinion is corroborated 
by the following extract from the Ipswich records, namelyj 

' December 2dth. 16^i. It is consenteil unto that John Peikins, junior, shall 
hnild a ware, [fish trap.] upon the river of QuasyciniS: [now river Parker.] and 
enjoy the profitts of it. but in case a plantation sluiJl there settle, then he is to 
submit himself unto such conditions, as shall by them be imposed.' 

This conditional grant certainly implies, that no settlement had 
then been commenced, and the );>robal)ility, that a ])lantation in that 
place would soon be established, when their jurisdiction would of 
course cease. There are also other proofs. On the tombstone of 
Henry Sewall, now standing in the burying yard of the first parish 
in Newbmy, is the following inscription. 

' Heniy Sewall, sent by his father. Henry Sewall. in the ship Elizabeth and 
Dorcas, anived at Boston 1634, vintered -al Ipswich, helped begin this plantation 
1635. furnishing Ensrli.sh servants, neat cattle, and provisions. Married Mr.s. 
Jane Dummer March 25, 1646, and died May 16, 1700. His fruitful vine, being 
thus disjoined, fell to the ground January following. Ps. 27 : 10.' 

This inscription was undoubtedly written by his son, judge 
Samuel Sewall, in whose diary I find the following. 'Newbmy 
was planted in 16:34. ]\Iy father has told me so, who was one of 
the fust inhabitants.' Tlic reverend Samuel Danforth, 'a great 
antiquary,' in his almanac for 1()47, states that ' Newbury was bcg^iti 
in 16:34.' Captain Edward Johnson, in his ' Wonder-working 
Providence,' written in 1651, states, that ' Messrs. Parker and Noyes 
began to build the tenth clnuch at a place called Newberry in the 
latter end of the yeai- 1634.' These apparent contradictions can be 



14 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

easily roronciled, if we bear in mind the fact, that tlie year, with our 
puritan forefathers, began on the twenty-filth of March, and not on 
the first of January, as tlie custom now is. Not satisfied with 
renouncing all rites and ceremonies, not, in their opinion, clearly 
warranted by the bible, they attempted a reformation in the calendar 
l)y repudiating tl^e names of the months, and of the days of the 
week, as of heathenish origin, and altogether unsuitable to be used 
by ehrislians, for, in the language of Johnson, in his ' Wonder- 
working I'rovidence,' ' the practice was designed of purpose to 
prevent the heathenish and popish observation of days, months, and 
years, that they may be forgotten among the people of the Lord.' 
They also commenced their year in iMarch, the twenty-fifth of 
that month being new year's day. In order, however, to accom- 
date all tiiose who did not desire this reformation, a double date 
was used between January first and March twenty-fifth. Thus 
twelfth mo. 1634—5, meant eillier February the twelfth month, 1034, 
or February the second month, 1G35, according to the difi'erent 
opinions of the reader. ' The latter end ' of 1634 might mean, and 
j^robably did mean, the time between January first, and March 
twenty-fifth, whicli would then be considered as the beginning of 
IGoo. From all these considerations, the probability, therefore, is, 
that no settlement was made in Quascatunquen, before the year 
1635, as it is not probable that the first settlers removed in the depth 
of winter, as the land was then, according to all accounts, covered 
with a tliick and heavy gixnvth of timber. Horses and carts, as a 
means of conveyance, coukl not then be used, as notliing but a narrow 
and winding footpath led from Agawam to Quascacunquen. The 
most rational supposition, and one which accords with all the 
information we have on the subject, either traditional or recorded, 
is, that they, with Henry Sewall, ' wintered at Ipswich,' and made 
preparations for a removal in the spring. The first notice we have 
of their determination, is given by Winthrop, volume 1, page 160, 
in these words: 'at this general court, [May, 1635,] some of the 
chief of Ipswich desired leave to remove to Quascacunquen, to 
briiiti a town there, which was granted them, and it was nanred 
Newberry.' In the colonial records, it is thus noticed. 

' May 6th, 1635. Qiiasoacuiiqucn is allowed by the court to be a plantation, and 
it is refened to Mr. [John] 1-lumplirey, JSb-. [John] Endicott, captain [Nathaniel] 
Turner, and captain | William] Trask, or any three of them, to set out the 
hounds of Ipswich and Quascacunquen, or so nuu'h thereof as they can, and 
the name of the said plantation shall be changed, and shall hereafter be called 
Newberry. 

■' Further it is ordered, that it .shall be in the power of the court to take order 
that the said plantation ^hall receive a sullicient company to make a competent 
lowne.' 

From tlie preceding quotations, it is apparent, that the first inliab- 
itants of 'Newberry' oljtained 'leave of tht; general court' to 
remove to Quascacunquen, settled there, and were incorporated as 
a township in the spring of 1635. If any persons, prior to that 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 15 

period, had commenced a setllemeiU wilhin the lenilorla! limils of 
' ould Newberry,' of which we have no positive prooi, they must 
have been considered a? in'.ruders, or ' scinntters,' or they supposed, 
as in the case of John Perkins, that tiie northern limit of Agawam 
was tlie river Merrimack. Indeed, ^vc are told that when Agawam 
was settled, in 1633, it «'as bounded on the north by the Merrimaclc, 
and on the West by Cochichawick, [now Andover.] The jurisdic- 
tion of Masconomo, the sagamore of Agawam, extended from 
Naumkeag river to the IMerriniack. WiJham Wood, in his ' New 
England Prospect,' thus speaks : ' Agawam is the best place but one, 
which is Merrimack, where is a river twenty leagues navigable. 
All along the river side is fresh marshes, in some places three 
leagues broad.' ' These two places may contain twice ^as many 
people as are yet in New England, there being as yet scarce any 
inhabitants in these two spacious places.' He was in Ainerica in 
1633, and set sail for England on the fifteenth of August of that 
year. At that time we know of thirteen persons only, wdio were in 
Agawam, besides John Winthrop, junior, namely, the twelve who 
came with him, and ' Thomas S jllan,' who on ' June eleventh was 
admitted as an inhabitant.' There were probably fishermen in 
various places on the banlcs of the Quaseacunqucn and the Mcrri- 
mac, ' where,' says Wood, ' much [stiugcon] is taken, pickled, and 
sent to Engluid, twelve, fourteen, eighteen feet long.' He, as it will 
be seen, is not remarkable for his accuracy, either respecting the navi- 
gation of the IMerrimack, the w^dth of the I'resh marshes on its banks, 
or the length of the fish in its stream. We will tlierefore leave him and 
return to the first settlers of New^bmy. Uniform tradition asserts 
that they came by water from Ipswich, through Plum island sound, 
and up the river Quascaciuiquen, [now river Parker,] to the place 
they had s;'leeled as their future habitation. Tradition asserts that 
they landed on the north bank of the river, about one himdred rods 
below the spot where the bridge now stands, and that Nicholas 
Noyes was the fii-st person wlio leaped ashore. This company 
was few in number, and probably consisted of Mr. Henry Sewall 
and servants, William Moody, his wife and four sons, Anthony 
Short, Henry Short and wife, Mf. John Spencer, Mi-. Nicholas 
Easton, his wife and son John, Richard Kent, senior, and Stephen 
Kent, brothers, with their wives, Richard Kent, junior, and James 
Kent, brothers, Mr. Thomas Parker, Mr. John Woodbridge, IMr. 
James Noyes, his wife, and brother Nicholas Noyes, Thomas 
Brown, Richard Brown, George Brown, Mr. James Browne and 
wife, Thomas Coleman, Francis Plmiier and wife, with his two 
sons Joseph and Samuel, with a few others, whose names are not 
known with certainty. For a short time tlie business of the town 
was transacted in committee of the wliolc, bnt tlie population 
increasing rapidly, fifteen ships with passengers, having arrived in 
•Tune, one in August, one in Novejnber, and one in December, 
Iniiiging with them many families* who immediately settled in 
Newbury, ' the plantation '"soon receiNcd 'a snilieieni company to 



16 Hl.srollY OF NEWBURY. 

make a competent tonne,' according to the order of llie general 
court, which in the same monili, May, 1635, ordered the same men, 
namely, Humpiirey, Endicott, Turner, and Trask, to set out a farm 
for jNIr. Dnmmer, about the falls of Newben-y, not exceeding the 
quantity of five hundred acres, provided it be not prejudicial to 
Newberry.' At th.c same time ' liberty was gi-anted to 1NL-. [Richard] 
Dummer and Mi'. [.John] Spencer, to build a mill and weire at the 
falls of Newberry, to enjoy the said mill and weire with svich privi- 
leges of gi-ound and timber as is expressed between them and the 
tonne, to enjoy to them and their heires forever.'* The court also 
ordered that ' no dwelling house shaU be built above a half mile 
from the meeting house in any new plantation, Avithout leave from 
the cofur^ except mills and farm houses of siich as have their 
dwellings in toun.' 'John HTnnphrcy, esquire, and captain Turner, 
were ordered to set out th(^ bounds between Salem and Ipswich, and 
Ipswich and Newbury, before midsummer next, and also to view, 
and inform the next general court if there may not be another 
toune settled conveniently betwixt them, and it is agreed that the 
bounds of said tonnes shall be sLx miles apiece into the country.' 
At the same court, [May, 1635,] 'it was ordered, that Mr. [Richard] 
Dummer, and Mr. Bartholomew, shall set out a convenient quan- 
tity of land within the bounds of Newberry, for the keeping of the 
sheep and cattle that came over in the Dutch shipps this yearc, and 
to belong to the owners of said cattle.' These 'owners' -were 
Richard Saltonstall, Riclmrd Dummer, Henry Sewall, and 'divers 
other ' gentlemen in England.' With the exception of the lands 
aboA"e mentioned, the first settlers of ' ould Newberry,' granted, 
surveyed., and settled the lands according to their own judgment. 
For a short lime, a year or more, the business of the township was 
transacted in committee of tlie whole. Mr. John Woodbridge was 
chosen their first town clerk, and Richard Kent and Hcmy Short, 
lot layers. AH their records pertaining to gi-ants of land, are full 
and comjilcte, having been very accurately copied into a new set of 
books, now called the ' Proprietors' Books,' which for many years 
have been kept separate from the town records. As there are a few 
leaves wanting in the first volume of the transactions of the town, 
the deficiency in that respect, must be supjjlied from other sources. 
In the records of the court at Salem, I find the following. 

' I John Pike dn tostifie that I was present at the tjatlierinir of the chnrch at 
Newbury, and I did hear our reverend pastor preach a sermon on the eiirliteenlh 
of INIatthew, seventeenth verse ; ' And if lie shall nes'leet to hear them, tell it 
unto the church: but if lie neutect to hear the church, lei Inni be luilo Iheo as 
an heathen man and a publican,' wherein he did liould forth that the power of 
discipline bclona:ed to the whole church, yt the matter of the chinch ouylit to be 
visible saints joyned or gathered tou'ether, that the m-annev of their joyuiug 
together ought to be by covenant, yt the end of it is for the exercisinse and 
eujoyinge of the ordinances of Christ togeather. He strongly proved his doc- 
trine by ninnv places of the scripture, both in tlie old and new testament. The 

♦ Court record's, pagp I.3?- 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 17 

vliieh sermon foseather ^itli llie scriptures did much instnicf and confirme us 
in that wave of churcli discipline which as i understood he then preached for, 
namely, the conarregalioual wave, some noates of the said semion, which I 
then took from his mouth I have heip readv to shew if 30U please. The ser- 
mon being ended the brethren joyiieit together by express covenant, and being 
joyned they chose their pastor, ]\lr. Parker, who accepted the call, and joyned 
with them according to the covenant aforesaid ; and those that afterward joyned 
to the church, consented to the said covenant explicit. The brethren of the church 
acted in these admissions of ye members, expressinge their voats therein by lifting 
up the hande, and soe continued together lovingly a considerable number of 
yeares untill other doctrine began to be preached amongst us.' 

' Per me John Pike. 

' Swome in court, 30 March, 1669. 

' Robert Pike also testiiies that the meeting was on the sabbath and in the 
open air under a tree.' 

'At the same time that Mr. Parker was chosen pastor, Mr. James Noyes was 
chosen teacher.' 

Similar testimonies were given by John Em.ery and Thomas 
Browne. The cavise of these testimonies' being given, was a con- 
tention in the church, which was can-icd to the court at Ipswich, as 
■will be seen under the years 16(59, 1671, and 1672. They give us 
the place and the manner in which the church was formed, but not 
the time. It could not have been earlier than the month of June, as 
John Pike, Robert Pike, and John Emery, did not arrive in New 
England till that month. Tradition states that Mr. Parker preached 
his first sermon under the branches of a majestic oak, which stood 
on the north bank of the river, about one hundred yards below 
where the bridge now stands, and wliich, Like the auditory it once 
shaded, has long since crumbled into dust. Under the same tree, 
probably, the church was gathered, and their spiritual guides set 
apart by them for their appropriate work. A meeting-house was 
also built. Tliat, tradition informs us, stood on the lower green, a 
few rods northwest from the spot where captain Enoch Plumer's 
house now stands. The first grave yard was near it, as appears 
by a petition to the general court in or about the year 1647. 

A house for the ministers was built, a large number of house lots, 
planting lots, and meadow lots were granted. How many houses 
were erected and how many families were in Newbury during the 
first year, there is no record to inform us. Houses were erected on 
both sides of the river Parker, and on Kent's island, and as then 
meadow land was very valuable, and in fact almost essential to their 
very e.Kistence as a support for their cattle, many were built on the 
margin of the meadows, not only on the banks of the river Parker, 
then called ' the Great river,' but also on the banks of the ' Little 
river,' as far as Trotter's bridge, and in various other places, so that 
in a very short fime the law prohibiting any person from erecting 'a 
dwelling house above half a mile from the meeting-house without 
leave of the court,' was entirely disregarded. The principal settle- 
ment was around the meeting-house on the lower green, and there 
was to be, as the first settlers supposed, the future commercial 
metropolis of Newberry. During this year sir Henry Vane and 
3 



18 HISTORY OF NEWBURY, 

reverend Hugh Peter arrived in Massachusetts, grand juries were 
established by law, the circulation of brass farthings was prohibited, 
and musket bullets were to be used instead. This year, August fif- 
teenth, ' about midnight the wind came up at northeast, having blown 
hEird at south and southwest the week before, and blew with such 
violence witli abundance of rain that it blew down many hundreds 
of trees, overthrew some houses, drave ships from their anchors. 
Li the same tempest a bark of Mr. Allcrton's was cast away upon 
cape Ann, and twenty-one persons drowned. Among the rest, a 
Mr. Avery, a minister in Wiltshire, with his wife and six small 
cliildren, was drowned.' ' This Mr. Avery,' says Cotton Mather, 
' went to Ncwberrij, intending there to settle, but being urged by 
magisti'ates and ministers to settle in Marblehead, he emljarlicd with 
his own family, and his cousin Mr. Anthony Thacher's, all of 
whom were lost except Mr. Thachcr and his wife.' 

The ship angel ' Gabriel,' in which came passengers John Bailey, 
senior, and John Bailey, j\niior, who afterward settled in Newbury, 
was ' lost at Pemaquid,' now Bristol, in Maine, and ' the Dartmouth 
ships cut all their masts at St. George.' 'The tide rose at Narra- 
ganset fomteen feet higher than ordinary and drowned eight Indians 
flying from their wigwams.' * ' The effects of this tempest, one of 
the most violent and destructive probably that the country has ever 
experienced, were visible,' says Morton in his Memorial, ' many 
years.' 

In September of this year the court assessed £200 on the towns 
in the colony. Of this rate Newberry paid £1 10s., Ipswich £14, 
Salem £16, Charlestown £15, Boston £25 10s., and so forth. 

In the court records, under date of November, 1635, is the follow- 
ing, namely : 

' Whereas Tliomas Coleman Iiath covenanted -nilh Richard Saltonstall and 
divers other gentleman in England and here for the keeping of certain horses, 
bulls and sheepe in a general stock for the space of three years, and now since 
his coming hither hath been exceedingly negligent in discharging the trust 
committed to him, absenting himselfe for a long time from the said cattle and 
neglecting to provide something for them, by reason whereof many of the said 
cattle are dead already and more damage likely to accnie to the said gentlemen : 
it is therefore ordered that it shall be lawful for the said gentlemen to divide 
the oates and hay piovided for said cattell among themselves, and see every one 
take care of their own during the winter.' 

The tract of land, which was set apart as the place for pastur- 
ing these cattle, was near tlie falls of Newbury. Of this land, Mr. 
John Spencer had a mill lot of fifty acres, Mr. Richard Dummer 
three hundred acres, Mi\ Henry Sewall five hundred acres, Mr. John 
Clai'k four hundred acres, ' beghming at the mouth of cart creek.' 
Of Ml-. Henry Sewall we are told in the life f of his son, judge 
Samuel Sewall, ' Mr. Cotton would have him settle in Boston, but 
he preferring an inland situation on account of his cattle, he re- 

* Wiiithrop, vol. 1, pp. 1G5, ICG. t Quarterly Register, Fel)ruary, 1811. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 19 

moved to Newberry.' How large the number was who owned stork 
in the cattle community, and which was so soon dissolved by the 
negligence of shepherd Coleman, we have no means of kno\\dng. 
All we know is that there were ' divers gentlemen,' not only here, 
but 'in England,' each of whom soon found that he could best take 
care of ' his owne cattle.' In the division of the land throughout 
the town, the first settlers recognized the scripture rule, 'to him that 
hath shall be given,' and the wealth of each of the grantees, as well 
as others of the first selUers, can be very nearly estimated, by the 
number of acres of land, which were granted Ihem.* This was 
according to the rule agreed upon in London, in 1629, by 'the assist- 
ants of the company,' who settled Massachusetts. They gave to 
each adventurer two hundred acres for every d£50 he put into the 
common stock, and so in proportion. ' Such adventurers as send over 
any person, were to have fifty acres for each person, whom they 
send.' Every person, who transported himself and family to New 
England at his o\\ni expense, should have fifty acres. 

This year, second of September, ' Francis Plumer was licensed 
to keep an ordinary,' f that is, a tavern. 

Mary Brown, davighter of Thomas Brown, the first white child 
born in Newbury, was born this year. May thirteenth, 1656, she was 
married to Peter Godfrey, and, ' having had a good report as a maid, 
a wife and a widow,' she died April sixteenth, 1716, in her eighty- 
first year. 

1636. 

This year the general court enacted, that ' every particular town- 
ship should have power over its own afl'airs, and to settle mulcts 
upon any offender, upon any public order not exceeding twenty 
shillings, and liberty to chuse prudential men, not exceeding seven, 
to order the affaires of the towne.' 

The town of Newbury, availing itself of this privilege, chose, 'by 
papers,' the following men, namely : Mr. Edward Woodman, Mr. 
John Woodbridge, Henry Short, Mr. Christopher Hussey, Richard 
Kent, Richard Brown, and Richard Knight. They were at first called 
by the name of ' the seven men,' then ' towne's men,' then ' towne's men 
select,' and finally ' select men,' as they are still called. They 'were 
chosen,' says the reverend Richard Brown, in his diary, 'from quarter 
to quarter by papers to discharge the business of the town, in taking 
in, or refusing any to come, into town, as also to dispose of lands 
and lots, to make lawful orders, to impose fines on the breakers of 
orders, and also to levy and distrain them, and were fully impow- 
ered of themselves to do what the town had power for to do. The 
reason whereof was, the town judged it inconvenient and burden- 
some to be all called together on every occasion.' 

About this time it is probable the town made some regulations 

* See appendix, A. t Colonial records. 



20 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

concerning the manner, in wliich their town meetings or meetings 
of the ' freemen ' should he held. As the town records are lost prior 
to the tenth of June, 1637, and as the manner of proceeding in the 
neighboring towns was essentially the same, the following from the 
Salisbury records will supply the deficiency : 

In the year 1640 the town ' ordered that in the first of eveiy 
meeting there shah be a moderator chosen by the companie. He 
shall have power to inteiTupt and call to accompt any that shall 
exceed in speaking and in case of fayling herein he shall be fyned 
at the discretion of the companie, and in case the moderator shall 
refuse so to doe he shall for such offence pay two shillings and 
sixpence. Also that every freeman shall speak by turne, and not 
otherwise, and shall signiiie when he is to speak by rising or putting 
off his hatt, and hia speech being ended, shall signifie it by putting 
on his hatt or sitting downe, and in case he be inteiTupted by the 
moderator and shall refuse to cease shall forfeit for every such offence 
one shilling. Also that no person shall depart from meeting without 
leave on the lUce penalty.' 

In Hampton, New Hampshire, the regulations adopted in 1641 
were somewhat different. 

' 1. The moderator was to be chosen at the end of every meeting 
for the next succeeding one. 2. The moderator, if the elders were 
not present, was to open the meeting with prayer. 3. He was then 
to state some proposition or call on some one to do it. 4. When 
any person addressed the moderator he was to stand up or put 
off his hat, and no other person was to speak at the same time, 
or be talking of any other thing (when a matter is in agitation) 
within the meeting roome. The clerk was to call over the ' freemen ' 
and note the absent.' 

Such substantially were the rules and regulations, adopted by the 
first settlers of Newbmy in their town meetings, as will in part ap- 
pear hereafter. 

This year ' another windmill was erected at Boston, and one at 
Charlestown ; and a watermiU at Salem, and another at Ipswich, and 
another at Newbury.' * 

This mill, the first erected in Newbury, was built at 'the falls,' on 
the river Parker, by INIessrs. Dummer and Spencer, in accordance 
with the grant from the general com't, and an agreement with the 
town in 1635. 

February eleventh, Newbury neck was leased to Richard Dummer 
for two years. 

This year, the general court passed the following sumptuary law, 
to which, and other similar laws, allusion will be frequently made. 

' No person after one month shall make or sell any bone lace or other lace to 
be worne on any irarment upon pahi of live sliillings the yard for every yard so 
made or sold, or set on, provided that binding or small edging laces may be 
used on garments or linen.' 

* Wiiithvop, vol. I, p. 196. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 21 

Joshua Woodman, son of Mr. Edward Woodman, was the first 
white male child born in Newbury. lie died the thii-lieth of May, 
1703, in his sixty-scvoiith year. 

This year, the third of Alarch, the general court laid a tax of £300 
on Massachusetts, of which Newbury was to pay Jill 5^., Salem 
£24, and Boston £37 10s., and 'ordered that courts in E.ssex county 
should be held qvrarterly, two in Salem, one in Ipswich to which 
Newbury shall belong.' 

May twenty-fifth, ' Newbury men were fined sixpence apiece for 
choosing and sending a deputy to the court, who is no freeman.' 4*= 
Military men were to be ranked in three regiments, of which one 
is to consist of Saugus, Salem, Ipswich, and Newbury. Mr. John 
Spencer was chosen captain for Newbury. Mr. Richard Dummer 
and Mr. John Spencer were chosen magistrates. 

In the month of March, 1G34, ' Mi-. [John] Endicott of Salem 
was called ' before the court ' to answer for defacing the cross in 
the ensign ; but, becaiise the court could not agree aljout the thing, 
whether the ensigns should be laid by, in regard that many refused 
to follow them, the whole cause was deferred till the next general 
court; and the commissioners for military afl'airs, gave order in the 
mean time, that all the ensigns should be laid aside!' f 

At the next court, Mr. Endicott was ordered to be ' sadly admon- 
ished ' for cutting the cross out of the king's colors, ' and to be 
disabled for one year from bearing any publick office.' He was 
instigated to do this by Roger Williams, who considered it as 
'a relique of antichristian superstition.' In 1635, each military 
company was to have colors, the cross to be left out. The objec- 
tion to the cross in the ensign, was, that it was idolatrous and sinful. 
It was deemed of so much consequence, that ' the ministers 
promised to take pains about it, and to write into England to have 
the judgments of the most wise and godly there.' In this state of 
feeling, Mr. ' Thomas INDlward, mate of the ship Hector,' and who 
was after^vard one of the proprietors of Newbury, ' spake to some 
of our people aboard his ship, [June, 1636,] that we had not the 
king's colours at our fort, we were all traitors and rebels,' and so forth. :{: 
Such language could not, in the opinion of our fathers, be tolerated. 
He was accordingly sent for, the words proved against him, and he 
committed. He was discharged on signina: the following submis- 
sion, which may be found in the colonial records, 1, 179. 

' Whereas I, Thomas Millerd have ijiven out most false and reproacliful 
speeches against his majesty's loyal and faithful subjects dwelling in the Mas- 
sachusetts Bay in America, saying that they were all traitors and rebels and 
that I would atRrm so much before the governor himselfe, which expressions I 
do confess (and so desire may be conceived) did proceed from the rashness and 
distemper of ray own brain, without any just ground or cause, so to think or 
speak, for which my unworthy and sinful carriage being called in question, I do 
justly stand committed. My humble request therefore is, that upon this my full 
and ingenuous recantation of this my gross failing, it would please the governor 

* See appendix. t Winthrop, vol. 1, p. 156. J Winthrop, vol. 1, pp. 187, ISS. 



22 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

and the rest of the assistants to accept of this my humble submission to pass by 
my fauh, and to dismiss me from iarther trouble and this my free and voluntary 
confession I subscribe with my hand this ninth June 1636. 

'Thomas Mulerd.' 

Shortly after this, Mr. Milkn-d moved to Newbury, and became 
one of the proprietors of the town. He is called in our records 
' Mr. Thomas Milward, mariner.' Tliis scrapie concerning the use 
of the cross in tlic colors, continued many years, as we shall hereafter 
show. The whole country was agitated by the controversy, and in 
addition to this, the theological diiiicultics, and prosecutions growing 
out of the ' revelations ' of Mrs. Hutchinson, ' that master-piece of 
woman's wit,' as Johnson calls her, began to create a great excitement. 

The Pequods, about this time, were beginning to be troublesome, 
and ' cattle,' says Winthrop, ' were grown to high rates ; a good cow 
cost £25 or £30 ; a pair of bulls or oxen, £40. About thirty ploughs 
were vised in IMassachusetts this year, and much rye was sown.' 

In November, the town ordered, that ' John Woodbridge should 
have £5 a year and be free from all rates and payments, while he is 
the towne register.' ' The general court empowered Richard Dum- 
mer and John Spencer to build a house at Winnicowett at the ex- 
pence of the colony. The architect was Nicholas Easton who soon 
after removed to Newport and built the first English house there. 
The house at Winnicowett was called the Bound-House,' and was 
situated in what is now called Seabrook.* 



1637. 

In April, one hundred and sixty men, under the command of 
captain Stoughton, were raised to go against the Pequods. Of this 
number Newbury raised eight, Ipswich seventeen, Salem eighteen, 
Lynn sixteen, and Boston twenty-six. It will serve to give the 
reader some idea of the all-pervading influence of the theological 
discussions, which were then agitating ihe whole community, to 
inform him, on the autliority of Neal, that these very troops deemed 
it necessary to halt on their march to Connecticut, in order to decide 
the question, whether they were under a covenant of grace or a 
covenant of works, deeming it improper to advance till that momen- 
tous question was settled. These soldiers were to have twenty 
shillings per month, lieutenants £A, and captains £6. In May Mr. 
John Spencer was discharged from being captain. This w^as 
probably owing to his religious tenets, he being an adherent of 
Mrs. Hutchinson. ' Mr. Edward Woodman was chosen lieutenant, 
and Mr. John Woodbridge, surveyor of the amies at Newbury.' 
In the same month the election was held at Newtown, (now 
Cambridge,) in the open air. Then the law requked all the 
' freemen ' from aU the towns in the province, to meet at the general 

* Belknap, vol. 1, p. 3S. 



HISTORY OF NE^VBURY. 23 

court of elections, and choose the magistrates, including the gover- 
nor and lieutenant governor. This practice continued till 1663. 
In order to prevent the re-election of sir Henry Vane as governor, 
and to strengthen the friends of governor Winthrop, Henry Sewall, 
junior, Nicholas Noyes, Robert Pike, Archelaus Woodman, Thomas 
Coleman, Thomas Smith, James Browne, John Cheney, Nicholas 
Holt, and John Bartlett, went from Newbury to Cambridge on foot, 
(forty miles,) qualified themselves to vote by taking the freeman's 
oath, seventeenth of May, 1637, or, in other words, 'were made 
freemen.' * Winthrop was chosen governor, and sir Henry Vane 
and the friends of IMrs. Hutchinson w^ere in a minority. 

On the morning of May twenty-sixlh, the fort of the Pequods 
was attacked with fire and sword, and their whole tribe, four or five 
hundred in number, extinguished, in that and the subsequent 
attack by captain Stoughton the latter end of June. 

Li August, a synod of ministers, messengers of churches, and 
magistrates, was held in Newtown, (Cambridge,) and condemned 
above eighty erroneous opinions. The general court then took up 
the business, and proceeded to disfranchise, or banish, or disarm, 
many of those who held these erroneous opinions. ' A great 
number,' says Hutchinson, 'removed out of the jurisdiction.' The 
court ordered about sixty of the inhabitants of Boston to be 
disarmed, and several of other towns ; among them were three 
belonging to Newbury, IMr. Richard Dummer, Air. John Spencer, 
and Mr. Nicholas Easlon. Spencer returned to England, Easton 
went to Rhode Island, but Dummer remained in Newbury. In 
June, two ships arrived with passengers. With them came Mr. 
Hopkins, Mr. Eaton, and Mr. Davenport, and many others of good 
note. Great pains were taken to induce them to settle in Massa- 
chusetts. ' The court offered them any place they would pitch 
upon.' ' The town of Newbury offered to give up their settlement 
to them,' but they chose to remove to Connecticut, where they 
built Ne^v Haven, and so forth. 

' It was ordained in a lawful meeting, November fifth, that 
whosoever is admitted into the towne of Newbury as an inhabi- 
tant thereof, shall have the consent and approbation of the body of 
freemen of sayd towne.' f 

' The seven men, mentioned in 1636, were again chosen by 
papers,' were desired to serve 'for one quarter longer and shall 
labor in the case according to what the Lord shall direct to doe 
according to what is prescribed.' if 

The preceding duections to the selectmen, remind me of the 
following extract, which may be found in Friend's records, in 
Rockingham county. New Hampshire. 

'Hampton, 1707. This meeting not having unity willi John Collins' testi- 
mony desires him to be silent till the Lord speak by him to the satisfaction of the 
meeting.' 

* Judge Sewall's diary. t Town record. J Town record. 



24 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Ill October, Richard Singletorry, William Palmer, Jol in INIoulton, 
Thomas Moullon, Nicholas Busbce, and Abraham Toppan, were 
admitted as inhabitants of Newbury. The following is a specimen 
of the form of admission. 

' Abraham Toppan being licensed by John Knilicolt esqr. to live in this 
jurisdiction was received into the lowne of Newberry as an inhabitant thereof 
and liath heere promised under his hand to be subject to any lawful order, that 
shall be made by the towne.' * 

Abraham Toppan. 

In the same month, fom'teen individtials were fined £.4: 15s. ' for 
defect of fences whenever they shall be called on.' * 

' In September, William Schooler, a vintner from London, was 
hanged in Boston for an alleged mm-dcr. He lived with another 
fellow at INIerrimack, and there being a poor maid at Newbury, one 
Mary Slioly, who had desired a guide to go with her to her master, 
who dwelt at Pascataquack, he enquired her out and agreed for fifteen 
shillings lo conduct her thither. But, two days after, he returned, 
and being asked why he returned so soon, he answered that he had 
carried her within two or three miles of the place, and then she would 
go no furlher. Being examined by the magistrates at Ipswich, and 
no proof found against him, he was let go. About half a year after, 
the body was found by an Indian ten miles short of the place he 
said he left her in. About a year after, he was again apprehended, 
examined, arraigned, and condemned,' f on circumstantial evidence. 

In November, the church jietitioned the general com't for relief, 
who passed the following order, namely: 

' Novemher 2(/, 1637. Whereas it appeareth unto this court that the inhabitants 
of the towne of Newbury owe divers persons neare the sum of X60, which hath 
been expended npon puljlick and needful occasions for the benefit of all such 
as do, or shall, inhabit there, as building of houses for their ministers &c. whereas 
such as are of the church there are not able to bear the whole charge and the 
rest of the inhabitants there do or may enjoy equal benefit thereof with them, 
yet they do refuse against all riglit and justice to contribute with them. It is 
therefore ordered that the freemen of the .said lowne or such of them as shall 
assemble for that end, or the greater number of them, .shall raise the said sum 
of £00 by an equal or proportionable rate of every inhabitant there, having 
respect both to land or other personal e.state, as well of such as are absent, as of 
tho.se dwellina' there present, and for default of payment .shall have power to 
levy the same by distress and sale thereof by such persons as they shall appoint, 
and the same being so collected shall satisfy their said debts, and if any remain- 
der be, the same to be employed on other occasions by the towne.' J 

November. ' The inhaljitants of Newbury haveing been moved 
to leave their pltmtation, the court granted them Winnicowet, [now 
Hamplon,] or any other plantation upon the Merrimack below the 
first falls, and to have six miles square, and those that are now 
inhabitants and shall remove within one yeare, shall have three 
yeares immunity, (as Concord hath.) the three yeares beginning the 
first of first month next, namely, March first, 1G38.' J 

* Town record. 1 Winthrop. } Colonial records. 



Hl.sTORV OF NEWBUlir. 25 



1638. 

January IStli. ' Tlio lease of the neck of land to IMi-. Diimmer 
for two years being expired, the towne doth take it into their own 
hands and iatendeth to dispose of it at their pleasure.' * 

' It was ordered that Richard Knight, James Brown and Richard 
Kent shall gather up the first payment of the meeting house rate and 
the towne rate within one fourteenight on the penalty of six shillings 
and eight pence apiece.' ^ 

Febniar/j Isl. ' John Emery shall make a sufficient pound for 
the use of the towne two rod and a halfe square by the last of tjie 
present month if he cann.' * 

' It is agieed that Air. Woodman shall have a house lott between 
Mr. Easton's and the river provided that if t/icre shall be a fort 
built b/i the trat('r''s side hereafter that then his lott shall give way.'* 
Fcbruanj 2Ath. ' It was voted, that Tiiomas Cromwell, Samuel 
ScuUard, John Pike, Robert Pike, and Nicholas Holt, are fined two 
shillings and sixpence apiece for being absent from towne meeting 
at eight o' clock in the morning, having due and fitt warning.' * 

' Plaving taken into serious consideration the weight of managing 
all publick affaires and being desirous that those ivhom Gud 
hath fitted and xoho necessarily are called forth unto such publick 
services, may not be overburdened with expense of time and other 
charges, which necessarily attend such publick busynesses, but 
rather sliould be encouraged to the end that they may bear that 
burden, and faithfully discharge that service to which they are called, 
and considering likewise the practice of other townes and places in 
this government in putting their shoulders to help bear up and 
sustain this common worke, either in person or estate, or both, wee 
have therefore thought fitt to settle some way and course in this 
bchalfc to the end that such publick busynesses may be carried on 
without nuirmuring by any, who shall be appointed thereunto, and 
have lor the present thought fitt that those, who are sent for depulyes 
and grand jurors shall be allowed two shillings and sixpence, for 
foure dayes, in which they goe and returne, and twelve pence a day 
for every other day, which they necessarily attend towne's service, 
if the county find the charges of diett, otherwise more as shall be 
thought fitt upon due consideration.' * 

April 14th. ' It is ordered that Richard Brown, the constable, 
shall cause a sufficient pound to be made by the twenty-first of this 
moneth to impound swyne and other cattell, in the place, that shall 
be shewed him and of that largeness which shall be thought fitt.' 

April 19th. Two constables and two ' surveyors of the high 
wayes ' were chosen ' lor one whole yeere.' 

' This,' says Winthrop, ' was a very hard winter. The snow lay 
half a yard deep about the Massachusetts from November fourth to 

* Town records. 



26 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

March twenty-third, and a yard deep beyond Merriinacic and so the 
more nortli, the deeper.' 

April 2\st. ' Henry Short, John Cheney, Francis Plumer, Nicholas 
Noyse, and Nicholas Holt are fined two shillings and sixpence 
apiece for being absent from the towne meeting, having lawful 
warning, and so forth.' * 

It was ordered that ' Nicholas Batt shall keep the herd of cows ' 
eight months from the sixteenth of INIareh till the sixteenth of 
November for eighteen pounds, ' nine pounds in money ' and forty 
bushels of corne, ' provided he is to keep them one Lord's day, and 
the towne, two.' * 

May 5th. ' It is ordered that John Pike shall pay two shillings 
and sixpence for departing from the meeting without leave and 
contemptuously.' ^ 

William Morse was the keeper of the ' towne's heard of goates,' 
and, ' as part of his wages,' he was to have three pence for every 
goate above a yeere old,' and Nicholas Batt was to have twenty-two 
pence for every cow or heifer either in money or corn at seven 
shillings the bushel.' 

June 1st. ' Being this day assembled to treat or consult about 
the well ordering of the affairs of the towne, about one of the 
clocke in the aftcrnoone, the sunn shining faire, it pleased God 
suddenly to raise a vehement earthquake coming with a shrill clap 
of thunder, issuing as is supposed out of the east, which shook the 
earth and the foundations of the house in a very violent manner to 
our gi-eat amazement and wonder, wlierefore taking notice of so 
great and strange a hand of God's providence, we were desirous of 
leaving it on record to the view of after ages to the intent that all 
might take notice of Almighty God and feare his name.' f 

Jurie 19th. ' It is agreed that Ricluu-d SingleteiTy and William 
Allen shall have each of them four acres of planting ground on 
Deer island, provided the island be not [over ? ] twelve acres.' 

' The court having left it to the liberty of particular townes to 
take order and provide according to their discretion for the bringing 
of armes to the meeting house, it is for the present thought fitt and 
ordered that the town being divided in four several equal parts, sayd 
part shall bring compleat armes according to the direction of those, 
whom the towne hath appointed to oversee the busynesse in order 
and manner as foUoweth, namely, John Pike, Nicholas Holt, John 
Baker, and Edmund Greenleafe being appointed as overseers of 
the busynesse, are ordered to follow this course, namely. Tiiey 
shall give notice to tlie party of persons under their severall divisions 
to bring then- armes compleat one Sabbath day in a month and the 
lecture day following in order successively one after another and the 

* Town records. 

t Town records. ' It came,' says Winthrop, ' with n nnise lilcc coutinned tliunder, 
or the rcittlins: ol' coaches in London. The noise and sliokings continued about tbnr 
iiiinnles.' ' The course of it,' says Hutcliinson, 'was from west to east. It shool; tlie 
ships, threw down the tops of diiinnies, and rattled the pewter from the slielves.' 'Tliis 
was a very great earthquake and .sliook the whole country.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 27 

persons afore mentioned shall cause every person under their severall 
di\dsions to stand sentinell at the doores all the time of the publick 
meeting every one after another either by himself in person or by a 
sufficient substitute to be allowcid by the overseer of the ward. And 
further it is ordered that the sayd overseers shall diligently mai-k and 
observe any that shall be defective in this respect, having lawfuU 
warning, and they together with the siu-veyour of the armes shall 
collect or distrain twelve pence for every default according as hath 
been thought fitt by order of the court in this case provided.' * 

Trumbull, in his McFingal, thus alludes to this practice of tlie 
early settlers in Connecticut, as well as Massachusetts : 

' So once, for fear of Indian beating, 
Our grandsires bore their guns to meeting ; 
Each man equipped on Sunday morn 
With psalm book, shot, and powder horn, 
And looked in form as all must jrrant, 
Like th' ancient true church militant, 
Or fierce like modem deep divines, 
MTio fight with quills like porcupines.' 

Jidy 6th. ' Whereas there hath bin notice taken of much disorder 
in publick towne meeting by reason of divers speaking at one and 
the same time, some walldng up and downc, some absent, and 
divers other miscarriages, it is henceforth ordered that if any person 
shall offend against any order prescribed in this case, there shall be 
e.xact notice of such offence in this respect, and hee shall be 
censured accordingly.' ^ 

' Mr. Woodman^ Air. Rawson, Abraham Toppan and John Knight 
were chosen [selectijien] for one whole quarter and till new be 
chosen.' 

' There is granted to goodman Goffe some fresh marsh, tvhere 
Richard Kentmowedhay on this side of Mr. Greenleaf 's farme,' and 
so forth. 

Aup;ust mil. ' ■\Vhereas it is asreed with ]\Ir. Richard Dummer of Newbury 
by the persons, whose names are under\vrilten, hereunto subscribed that in case 
Mr. Dummer doe make his mill fitt to gryndcorne and doemaintaine the same, 
as also doe keep a man to attend grynding of come, then they for their part will 
send all the come that they shall have ground and doe likewise promise that all 
the rest of the towne (if itlye in their power to promise the same) shall also 
bring their come from tyme to tyme to be ground at the same mill. And it is 
further airreed that (the aforementioned conditions being observed by Mr. 
Diiramer)"there shall not any other mill be erected within the sayd to%\Tie. 

' Edward Woodman. 

John Knight. 

Edwakd Rawson. 

Richard Brown. 

Henry Short.' 

To this the town agreed and assented, at a public meeting, October 
sbcth, 1638. 

* Town records. 



28 HISTORY OF NEWBl'RV. 

Avgiist lOt/i. ' Thomas Hale and John Baker are apj)ointed hay 
wards lill the town sliall appoint new.' * 

' The towne hath appointed that a rate of tAvenfy-six pounds 
shall be made speedily and gathered within one foiu-tcenight lor the 
finishing of the meeting house.' f 

' At a general towne meeting, twenty-eighth of September, 1638, 
it was granted that Mr. [doctor] Clarke in respect of his calling should 
be freed and exempted from all publick rates either for the county or 
the towne so long as he shall remayne with us and exercise his 
calling among us.' * 

November 19///. A rate of twenty-six pounds was ordered to be 
made ' for the oliicers,' [tliat is, ministers,] ' rating all lands as they 
are divided at ten pence or five pence the acre.' * 

' It is ordered tiiat Edward Rawson shall supply the place of Mr. 
Woodbridge and be the publick notary and register for the towne 
of Newbury and whilst he so remains, to be allowed by the towne 
after the rate of five pounds per ainmm for his pavnes.' * 

3Iai/ \lth. ' Newbury was fined sLx shillings and eight pence for 
defects in the roads.' f 

' Anthony Emery was fined twenty shilings for a pound breach 
and to give thirteen shillings and fourpence to Thomas Coleman 
for his charges.' f 

' Newbury was fined five pounds for want of a pair of stocks, and 
time given lill next court to make them.' f 

' There came over this summer,' says Winthrop, ' twenty ships 
and at least three thousand persons, so as they were forced to look 
out new plantations. One was begun at IMcrrimack, and another 
at Winieowetl,' [now Hampton.] 

Mr. Edward Rawson, Mr. John Woodbridge, and Mr. Edward 
Woodman, were chosen commissioners for small causes in Newbury. 

In a book printed in London, 1638, and entitled, ' a true relation 
of a battell fought in New England between the EngUsh and Pequot 
salvages,' I find the following sentence : 

' They that arrived out there this year [1638] out of divers parts of Old England, 
say they never saw such a field of four hundred acres of all sorts of Englisli 
grain as they saw at Wintertown there, yet that ground is not comparable to 
other parts of New England, as Salem, Ipswich, Newbury, and so forth.' 

1639. 

March \Wi. ' Plum Island is to remain in the cotu-t's power; 
only for the present, Ipswich, Newbury and the new plantation 
[Rowley] between them may make use of it, till the court shall see 
cause otherwise to dispose of it.' J 

In the spring of this year, Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, who had arrived 
in New England in December, 1638, with about twenty families 
from Yorkshire, having received an addition to his company of 

* Town recorJs. t Colonial records. } Colonial records, vol. 1, p. 205. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 29 

about forty families, settled down on that tract of land, which was 
incorporated by the name of Rowley in the following September. 
This tract belonged partly to Ipswich and ])arlly to Newbury, ' and 
because some farms had been granted l)y Ipswich and Newbiny, 
which would be prejudicial to their phintalion, they bought out the 
owners, disbursing therein about eight hundred pounds.' * 

I'he proprietors' records of Newbury give us the following account, 
the date not being recorded : 

' The towne being assembled together and being desirous to manifest Iheyr 
earnest desires and willingness to give due ineouredgment unlo the worthy 
gentilmen, who desire to set down between us and Ipswich as to part with such 
a portion of land as cannot any way be expected from them, or ihey may 
\vithout endangering their present necessityes atiord. Hoping on good grounds 
it may fully answer their desires and expectations they have determined as 
followeth : 

' By the common and general suffrages of the body of freemen, none excepted, 
there was granted to the said gentilmen all the upland and meadow and niarish 
between us and Ipswich incompassed by the line heer underwritten, namely : 

1. That their line shall begin from the head of the great creek between the gi-eat 
river and Mr. Dummer's, running due west as we come to the great creek being 
the hounds of John Osgood's farm, which issues into Mr. Easton's river and above 
that creek all the lands southward of Mr. Easton's river, and from that river 
from the path leading to the falls to run a due west line into the country a mile 
and afterwards to run on a north west line so as it come not within half a mile 
of the side line of Mr. Dummer's farm. Likewise it comes two miles distant 
of Merrimack. Provided that if after they have entered by buildings or 
otherwise on this part of land granted to them and leave off from going on with 
a plantation or a towne between us thai then the grants abovesaid shall be void 
to all intents and purposes and to remaine the proprietyes and inheritances of 
the towne of Newbury in as ample a manner as before the grant hereof in all 
respects.' t 

' Another plantation was begun upon the north side of the 
Merrimack called Salisbui-y, another at Winicowett, called 
Hampton.' J 

The reverend Stephen Bachiler and his company, who had 
received permission from the general court, October, 1638, when 
united together by church covenant, commenced a settlement at 
Winicowett. He was at this time residing in Newbury. On Mr. 
Rawson's request, the place was called Hampton. The following 
persons, residents of Newbury, went with Mr. Bachiler. John 
Berry, Thomas Coleman, Thomas Cromwell, James Davis, WilHam 
Easton, William Fifield, INIaurice Hobbs, Mr. Christopher Hussey, 
Thomas Jones, Thomas Marston, William Marston, Robert Marston, 
John Moulton, Thomas ]\Ioullon, William Palmer, William 
Sargent, and Thomas Smith. Smith, however, soon returned to 
Newbury. A few went to Salisbury. Those who remained deemed 
it necessary to make some preparations for defence. They again 
contemplated Ijuilding ' a fort by the water's side ' just below where 
Parker river bridge now stands. It was probably never built. The 
records say, ' it is ordered and determined by the body of freemen 

* Winthrop, vol. 1, 294. t Proprietors' records. J Winthrop, vol. 1, p. 289. 



30 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

tliat. there shall be a walk of sixteen feet broad on the topp of the 
ii;reat hill from one end to the other, and a way of four feet broad 
through Stephen Kent his lott.' This 'walk' ran east and west, and 
tlie ' way ' north and south from the green to the top of the ' hill.' 
Near the centre of this walk the place is still pointed out, where, 
tradition inl'orms us, ' a sentry box, or walcli house, was erected.' It 
is highly probable, from appearances, that the tradition is correct. 
The position is a commanding one, and a far better place to ' stand 
sentinell,' than ' at the doores ' of the meeting house ' tdl the time of 
the publicic meeting.' 

June. ' There was at this time,' 'says Winthrop, ' a very great 
drouth all over the country, both cast and west, there being little or 
no rain from the twenty-sixth of April to the tenth of June.' 

In consequence of the complaints against excessive wearing of 
lace, and other superfluities, the general comt, September, 1639, 
'ordered that hereafter no garment shaU be made with short sleeves, 
whereby the nakedness of the arme may be discovered in the 
wearing thereof, and such as have gai'ments already made with 
short sleeves shall not wear the same unless they cover the armes to 
the wrist witli linnen or otherwise. And that hereafter no person 
whatsoever shall make any garment for weomen or any of the sex 
with sleeves more than half an eU wide (twenty-two and a half 
inches ! ) in the widest place thereof and so proportionable for 
bigger or smaller persons.' 

The court also forbade the wearing of 'immoderate gi-eat breeches, 
knots of rybands, shoulder bands, rayles, rases, double rutfs and 
cutl'es.' 

' Edmund Greeirleaf was ordered to be ensign for Newbury and 
allowed to keep a house of entertainment.' * 

' Mr. Avas fined ten shilings and sixpence for selling strong 

water without license.' ^ 

' John Bayley,' senior, of Salisbmy, afterward of Newbvtry, ' was 
fined five povands for buying lands of the Indians without leave of 
Ihe court, with condition if he yield up the land to be remitted.' * 

' Richard Bartlett petitioned the general court and was granted 
twenty pounds according to his petition.' * 

' Mr. Edward Rawson is allowed five hundred acres of land at 
Pccoit so as he go on with Ihe business of powder, if the salt-peti-e 
come.' * 

The people of Newbury liaving built a 'ministry house,' a meeting 
house, which was soon used as a school house, had their lerry 
established at ' Carr's island,' and become an orderly community, 
began not only to lay out new roads, but, as they were rapidly ex- 
tending their settlement farther north, to take special care of the 
town's dmbcr by prescribing a penalty of five shillings for every 
tree cut down on the town's land without permission. Nearly 
the whole of what is now called West Newbiu-y, or that part above 

* Colonial records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 81 

Artichoke river, was called ' the upper woods.' The common land 
in the southerly pai't of the town was divided into tlie 'ox common,' 
the ' cow common,' the ' calf common,' and so forth. The sheep 
and the goats, of which the inhabitants had many, each had their 
prescribed limits, each flock were under the charge of a keeper, and 
were obliged to be folded at night to protect them from the wolves. 
The town also received a valuable addition to its population in the 
persons of Anthony Somerby, their first schoolmaster, Henry 
Somcrby, IMr. John, ^Ir. Richard, and Mr. Percival Lowle, who had 
been merchants of Bristol, IMr. AVilHam Gemsh, and Richard Dole 
of Bristol, who had also been engaged in mercantile ti'ansactions 
before coming to Massachusetts. Not far from this time, though 
the date cannot be fixed with certainty, captain John Cutting, 'ship 
master,' and Mr. Thomas IMilward, 'mariner,' who in 1640 owned 
a ' shallop' and was engaged in the fisheries at cape Ann, came to 
Newbury. ]\Ir. Richard Dole commenced business as a merchant 
near the ' river Parker,' and was always called ' marchant Dole.' The 
town granted lots of land which were called the 'fishermen's lots.' 
John Knight had a lot of land granted him on condition that he 
'follow fishing.' To encourage the fisheries the general court 
enacted that all estates, employed in catching, making, or transporting 
fish, should be free from all duties and taxes, and forbade ' all 
men after the twentieth of the next month to employ any basse or 
cod-fish for manuring of ground, and shall forfeit for every hundred 
weight of fish so employed in manuring of ground, twenty shillings.'=^ 
' All ship-builders and fishermen during the season for business 
were excused from all trainings.'! -^^ ^^^^^ time it does not appear 
that the inhabitants of Newbury had ever sent any vessel over 
Newbury bar. Their commerce centred in ' the river Parker,' 
and came up by the way of Ipswich. ' Merrimack,' says Hubbard, 
' is another gallant river, the entrance into which, though a mile over 
in breadth, is barred with shoals of sand, having tsvo passages, that 
lead thereinto, at either end, of a sandy island, that lieth over against 
the mouth of sayde river. Near the mouth of that are two other 
lesser ones, about which are seated two considerable townes, the 
one called Newbeny, the other I))s\\'ich, either of which have fayre 
channels, wherein vessels of Jiff tj or sixt/j tons miiij pass vp safelij to 
the doores of the inhahitants ivhose habitations are pitched neere the 
banks on either side.'' J 

The first vessels built in Newbury were undoubtedly erected on 
tlie banks of the ' river Parker,' and were designed for the fishery, 
and for the ' coasting trade.' At that fime the channel of the river 
was much deeper than it now is, or vessels of fifty or sixty tons 
' could not pass safely up to the doors of the inhabitants.' The river 
Parker was once celebrated for the abimdancc of the fish in its stream. 
' There was,' says Hubbard, 'a noted plantation of them' [Indians] 
at the falls of the river of Newbeny, liy reason of the plenty of fish, 

* Colonial records. i Hutchinson. } Hubbard, p. 17. 



32 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

that ' at almost all seasons of the year used to be found both In winter 
and summer.' * In the will of Richard Kent, who died in 16-34, I 
find the followins^ bequest. ' Also I give the first salmon lliat is 
caught in my weir yearly to Mr. Noyes, and the second to ]Mr. 
Rogers till ray son be nineteen years of age,' and so forth. After 
that, his son might do as he saw good. 

This year Anthony Somerby came to Newbmy, and was em- 
ployed to teach school. It is thus noticed on the town records: 

'There was granted unto Anthony Somerby in the year 1639 for his encour- 
agement to keepe schoole for one yeare foure akers of upland over the great river 
in tlie necke, also sixe akers of salt marsh next to Abraham Toppan's twenty 
akers.' 

1 G40. 

Tliis year etuigration to New England almost entirely ceased, in 
consequence of the poiitieal chaiige in the all'airs of England. 

' This sudden stop,' says Hutchinson, ' had a surprizing eti'ect on 
the price of cattle.' Cows which had for some time sold for twenty- 
five or thirty pounds, could now be bought for five or six pounds 
each. The whole number of neat cattle in New England was 
estimated at twelve thousand, their sheep at three thousand. The 
number of passengers, who had arrived from the beginning of the 
colony in two hundred and ninety-eight ships, were estimated at 
twenty-one thousand and two hundred, about four thousand families, 
and it is probable, in the language of Hutchinson, that, since 1640, 
' more persons have removed out of New England to other parts of 
the world than have come from other parts to it.' The number of 
new settlers in this and subsequent years was small. Among them 
may be mentioned Robert Adams, Henry Jaques, George Little. 

The great influx of provisions, the cessation of emigration, with 
various other causes, occasioned a scarcity of money, and of course 
a great abatement of the price of all commodities. As neither 
' money nor beaver,' says Winthrop, 'were to be had,' the court 
ordered that ' Indian corn at four sliillings, rye at five shillhigs, and 
wh(!at at six shillings should pass in payment of all new debts.' ' Men 
could not pay tlicir debts though they had enough.' ' And he that 
three months before was worth one thousand pounds could not, if 
he should sell his whole estate, raise two hundred pounds.' 

Notwithstanding the distresses of the times, Winthrop informs us 
that ' it was a couunon rule that most men walked by in all their 
commerce to buy as cheap as they could and sell as dear,' and 
complains of it as a ' notorious evil.' 

' iMost men ' at the present day arc probably Liable to the same 
charge, ' notorious ' as the ' evil ' may be. 

' Henry Sewall, senior, was bound over to his good behaviour in 
sixty-six pounds, thirteen shillings, and fourpence, for contemptuous 
speechc and carriage to Mr. Saltonstall.' * 

* Colonial records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 33 

' Mr. John Woodbridge, presented for releasing a servant, is 
disciiarged by paying two shillings and sixpence.' * 

This summer Mr. John Ward and some inhabitants of Newbury 
petitioned for a place of settlement. 

Di the court records is the following, namely : 

' At a general court held at Boston the thirteenth of the third 
month, 1640, [thirteenth of May, 1G40,] the desires of Mr. Ward and 
Newbury men, is committed to the governor, deputy governor and 
Ml-. Winthrop sen. to consider of Pentucket and Cochichawick, and to 
grant it to them, provided they return answer within three weeks from 
the twenty-first present and that they build there before the nextcourte.' 
The names of the ' Newbury men ' who with Mr. Ward settled Pen- 
tucket, (now Haverhill,) arc these. William White, Samuel Gile, 
James Davis, Henry Palmer, John Robinson, Christopher Hussey, 
John Williams, and Richard Liltlehale, with four others. 

The same month, in consequence of the great loss which governor 
Winthrop had suft'ered ' in his outward estate,' through the unfaith- 
fulness of his bailifi', 'the elders' agreed, 'that supply should be sent 
in from the several towns by a voluntary contribution.' ' The whole 
came not to live hundred pounds whereof near half came from 
Boston, and one gentleman of Newbury, Mr. Richard Dummer, 
propounded for a supply in a more private way, and for example 
himself disbvursed one hunch-ed pounds.' f 

' This unexampled liberality to Winthrop in his distress,' says 
Mr. Savage, in a note, ' is a more satisfactory proof of the high esti- 
mation in which he stood than could he afforded by the most elab- 
orate eloquence of eulogy. But the generosity of Dummer is above 
all praise. His contribution is fifty per cent, above the whole tax 
of his town, and equal to half the benevolence of the whole 
metropolis ; yet he had been a sufferer under the mistaken views of 
Winthrop and other triumphant sound religionists.' 

The state tax this year was £1200, of which Boston paid £179, 
Ipswich £120, and Newbm-y £65. 

3Iai/, 1640. ' Mr. Edward Woodman, Mt. Christopher Batt, and 
John Cross are appointed (when the way is settled) to settle the 
ferry, if they think meet.' * 

July 3d, 1640. The town of Salisbury granted to George Carr, 
shipwTJght, the island, which still bears his name. 

1641. 

This general court desired ' the elders would make a catechism 
for the instruction of youth in the gTounds of religion.' In compli- 
ance with this desire, Mr. James Noyes, of Newbury, composed ' a 
short catechism for the use of the children there.' For a copy of 
the work, which was reprinted in 1714, see appendix, B. 

' Mr. John Woodbridge, Mr. Edward Woodman, and Mr. Edward 

# Colonial recoids. t Winthrop, vol. 2, p. -1. 

5 



34 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Rawson, appointed commissioners for small causes in Newbury.' =* 
' Ml-. Rawson instead of Mr. John Oliver.' 

' At a court hoklen at Ipswich the twenty-eighth of month, 

1641, George Carr is appointed to keep the ferry at Salisbury at the 
island where he now dwelleth for the space of two years provided 
that he find a sufficient horse boate and give diligent attendance. 
The ferriages are as follows, namely. For a man present pay two- 
pence, for a horse sLxpence, gi-eat cattle pay sixpence, calves and 
yearlings pay two-pence, goates one penny, hoggs two-pence. If 
present pay be not made that hce must book any ferriage, then a 
penny apiece more. If any be forced to swim over llieir horses for 
want of a great boat, they shall pay nothing. Per curiam.' f 

Johnson, in his ' Wonder-worldng Providence,' published in 1651, 
thus speaks: 'over against this towne [that is, Salisbury,] lyeth the 
towne of Newberry on the southern side of the river, a constant 
ferry being kept between, for although the river be about half a mile 
broad, yet by reason of an island, tiiat lies in the midst thereof, it is 
the better passed in troublesome weather. The people of this 
towne have of late placed their dwellings so much distance the one 
from the other that they are lilcely to divide into two churches.' 

The difficulty, as will be seen, was settled without a division. 

'This court,' (February second, 1641,) says Winthrop, ' having 
found by experience that it would not avail by any law to redress 
the excessive rates of labourers' and workmen's wages and so forth 
(for being restrained, they would either remove to other places, 
where they might have more, or else being able to live by planting 
and other employments of their own, they would not be hired at 
all) it was therefore referred to the several toions to set down rales 
among themselves. This took better effect, so that in a voluntary 
way, by the counsel and persuasion of the elders, and example of 
some, who led the way, they were brought to more moderation than 
they could be by compulsion. But this did not last long.' f 

If the town of Newbury at this lime passed any laws regulating 
the wages of laborers, or the price of goods, the record is lost. To 
supply the deficiency we shidl again quote from the Salisbury 
records. 

' April 5th, 1641. At a general meeting of the freemen it was ordered that 
the year shall be accompted thus : from the first of November to the last of the 
first month [March] shall be winter months and the seven other, summer months, 
and all labourers for the winter months shall have no more but sixteen pence 
per day, and for the summer months twenty pence per day, and all carpenters 
shall have two-pence per da}- more than laboureis, that is eighteen pence per day 
in winter, and twenty-two pence per day in summer.' ' Also that mowers shall 
have no more but two shillings per day, and if they mow per the acre they shall 
not exceed^ two shillinsrs per acre. 

'Also that no man shall .sell clabords of five foot in length for more than three 
shillings per hundred, and if shorter according to proportion, and if they cleave 
by the hundred they shall not exceed sixpence per hundred for five foot in 
length. 

* Colonial records, t Court records, (i. c. county court.] J Winthrop, vol, 2, p. 25. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 35 

'Also that noe man shall sell aiii sawn bord for more that fire shillings per 
hundred, and for the sawing no more than three shillings and sixpence per 
hundred, and for slitt work no more th;m four shillings and sixpence per hundred. 

' Also that butter shall nott be sonld for above sixpence per pound. 

' Also that milk shall be sould for three half pence a quart, new milk, and one 
permy skimmed milk ale measure.' 

From the above extracts it is evident, that what are now called 
clap-boards, were originally boards that were ' cloven,' and not ' sawn,' 
and were thence called ' clove-boards,' and in process of time 
cloboards, claboards, ' clap-boards.' 

The Hampton records give us a similar tariff of prices with this 
addition. ' A cart, four oxen and a man five shillings for the winter 
months and six shillings and eight-pence for the summer months.' 

Early tliis year, through the agency of Hugh Peter, ' a man of a 
very public spirit and singular activity on all occasions,' * a sliip of 
three hundred tons was built at Salem, and soon after another at 
Boston of one hundred and sixty tons, called the Trial. All for-- 
eign commodities at this time ' grew scarce, and our own of no 
price.' 'Corn would buy nothing — and no man could pay his 
debts, and so forth. These straits set our people on work to provide 
fish, claplioards, plank, and to sow hcinp and flax (which prospered 
very well) and to look out to the West Indies for a trade for cotton.' '^ 
* This year about three hundred thousand dry fhsh were sent to the 
market.' * The town of Rowley made landable efforts to raise 
hemp and to some extent succeeded. 

' These straits,' the settlement of Hampton, Salisbury, and Haver- 
hill, the establishment of a ferry at Carr's island, and the addition to 
the population of five or .six wealthy men, who had been educated 
as merchants, all undoubtedly conspired to extend the limits of their 
settlement, and to make the centre of their village two or three 
miles farther nortli. This, however, was not effected without much 
diflictilty, as we shall hereafter see. 

The general court, determining that tlie whole of New Hamp- 
shire came under their jurisdiction, as a line to run east from three 
miles north of the head of Merrimack river would talce in the whole 
of that state, passed a law accorduigly, the ninth of October, 1641, 



1642. 

The winter of 1641-2 was unusually severe. ' All the bay was 
frozen over, so much and so long, as the like, by the Indians' rela- 
tion, had not been for forty years. It continued froiu the eighteenth 
of November to the twenty-first of February so as horses and carts 
went over in many places where ships have sailed.' f 

' February 23d, a generall towne meeting. By the generall con- 
sent of all the freemen the stinting of the commons was referred to 
Henry Short, Mr. [Edward] Woodman, Edward Rawson, Thomas 

* Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 24, 31. 1 Wintbrop, vol. 2, p. CO. 



86 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Hale and IVIi-. [John] Woodljridgo, according to their best judg- 
ments and discretions.' 

Accordingly, twelfth of March, 1642, they determined, that the 
several numbers or rights ' shall perpetually belong to the several 
persons to whom they arc allotted and to no other persons whatso- 
ever, except he gett them by pmxhase or some other legal way,' and 
that ' all the commons within the limits of the towne shall be equally 
divided into three several parts and that the same number of cattle 
that are allowed in the stint of the cows and oxen shall be allowed 
in the heifer common and a third like quantity of young cattle 
above Mr. Rawson's i'arme.' The number of persons was ninety- 
one. One right was assigned to the 'towne house,' one 'to lye at 
the towne's appointment,' one to ' the ferry lott ' and three ' for them 
that shall be schoolmasters successively.' This 'stint' allowed 
five hundred and sixty-three cattle in each of the three pastures, 
namely : the cow common, the ox common, and the heifer common. 
The highest num])er of ' rights ' was sLxty-two and a c^uarter to 
R. Dummer, the lowest, Lewis and Mattox, one. 

On March twenty-first ' the town also ordered that all commons 
and waste grounds above Mi-. Rawson's farme and so to and above 
Mr. Dummer's farme to oiu- line next Rowley line shall lie perpetu- 
alhj common, according to the former order for common, the 
meadows only excepted within the verge.' * 

This tract of land, which was thus ' ordered to lie perpetualli/ 
common,'' comprehended not only a part of Newbury, but nearly the 
whole of what is now called West Newbury, now containing some 
of the best farms in the county, but then considered, with the 
exception of ' the meadows,' as ' waste grounds,' fit only for 
' perpetual commons.' In 16S6, six thousand acres, a tract more 
than nine times as large as the whole of the territory of Newburyport, 
situated above Aj'fichoke river, in what was then called ' the upper 
woods,' was divided for the first time among the inhabitants. It 
was then called ' the vipper commons.' 

From the first settlement of the town till this year, the inhabitants 
had made the ' lower gi'cen,' on the banks of ' the great river,' as 
they called it, their central place of business. At this time, however, 
a majority of them had determined on a removal from the ' old 
town' to the 'new town.' Tlicu- reasons for this removal will be 
given from the records in their own words, though it is probable that 
some pages are lost. It thus commences : 

' Whereas the towne of Newbury well weighing the streighfs they were in 
for want of plon;5h groimc), remotenessi of the common, scarcity nf fencing 
stiiffe, and the like, did in the year IG42 erant a commission to Mr. i'liomas 
Paricer, Mr. James Noyes, Mr. John Woodbridfre, Mr. Edward Rawson, ISlr. 
John Cutting, Mr. John Lowle, INIr. Edward Woodman and Mr. John Clark, for 
removina, .settleing and disposeing of the inhabitants to such place as mitrht in 
iheir judgements best tend to theyr enlargements, exchanging theyr lands and 
making such orders as might bee in theyr judgments for the well ordering of 

* Tristram Coffin's manuscript. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 37 

the towne's occasions and as in their commission more largely appeareth, the 
said deputed men did order and appoint John Merrill, Ricliaid Knii;lit, Anthony 
Short, and John Emery to go to all the inliabitants of the towne, taking a true 
list of all the stock of each inhabitant and make a true valuation of all their 
houses, improved land, and fences that thereby a just rule might be made to 
proportion each inhabitant his portion of land about the new towne, and 
removing of the inhabitants there.' 

' It was ordered at a meeting of the eight deputed men aboveraentioned that 
each freeholder should have a house loft of foure akers. It was further ordered 
that in respect of the time for the inhabitants removeing from the place they 
now inhabit to that, which is layd out and appointed for their new habitations, 
each inhabitant shall have their house lotts foure years from the day of the date 
of this commission.' 

The day of the month is, however, not given. However great 
might be the dilFieulties they found in remaining together, still 
greater ones in some respects awaited their removal. As it has often 
been since, both here and elsewhere, the main object of their 
contention was their meeting-house. The minority, that remained, 
were unwilling to have the house removed, and the majority w^ere 
equally unwiUmg to go without it, and when it was removed, where 
to place it was the dilliculty, and it was not untU fovu- years after, 
and then not without great opposition, that a decision was finaUy 
made. 

The first intimation that we have of a new place to set the 
meeting-house upon, is contained in the follo^ving grant : 

' There was granted unto Mr. James Noyes that foiu- acres of 
land upon the iiiU by the little pine swamp, xchkh u-as marl;ed lo 
sett the meeting- house about the year 1642.' * 

Tliis year it appears that the fisliing business commenced on tlie 
Merrimack. On the twenty-sixth of March, 1G42, the town of 
Salisbiiry ' granted to Robert Ring two acres of upland upon the 
island f over against Watts' sellar J to be employed about fishing 
for two years.' 

In the year 1671, ' Robert Ring testifies that he did build a cellar 
upon that land and a little house and did keep fishing there and did 
set up stages upon the salt marsh, being a Uttle cove next the river 
and this was about twenty-nine years agoe.' 1671 — 29=1642. 

The house of commons this year passed a resolve, exempting 
from custom, subsidy, or taxation, the exports and imports of New 
England. 

In September the governor of Massachusetts received information 
from Connecticut, tliat ' the Indians all over the country had combined 
themselves to cut oft" the English.' § It was therefore thought fitt 
to disarm aU the Lidians who were within our jurisdiction. A 
warrant was accordingly sent to Ipswich, Rowley, and Newbury, ' to 
disarm Passaconaway, who lived by Merrimack.' ' The next day, 
being Lord's day, forty armed men were sent for that purpose, but 

* Proprietors' records, p. 12. t Ring's island. 

} ' Watt's cellar ' stood near where Newburyport market-house now stands. 

^ Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. 78, 87. 



38 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

as it rained all day, they could not go to his wig^vam, but went to 
his son's and took him which they had warrant lor, and a squaw and 
her child, which they had not warrant for,' * wherefore fearing the 
consequenci's ' ;ui order Avas sent to lieutenant Grecnleaf, or in his 
absence to Mr. Woodman for sending home the Indian woman and 
child from Newbury and to send to Passaconaway for satisfaction.' f 

On the fifteenth of November, Passaquo and Saggahew, with 
the consent of the above-mentioned Passaconaway, sold for ^3 10s. 
' to the inhabitants of Pentucket,' now Haverhill, a tract of land 
fourteen miles long and six miles broad, ' with ye isleand and the 
river that ye isleand stands in,' and so forth. Among the witnesses 
to this deed was Tristram Colfyn, who this year came to New Eng- 
land, and went from Salisbury to Haverhill. 

In September, ' nine bachelors commenced at Cambridge, young 
men of good hope.' ^ It was the first class that graduated at 
Harvard college. The students then took their degrees, and are ar- 
ranged in the catalogue, according to the rank of their parents. The 
first graduate was Benjamin Woodbridge of Ne\\'bury. See appen- 
dix, C. 

December 7th, 1642. ' The men deputed for the managing of 
those things that concerned the ordering of ihe new towne, declared 
and ordered according to the former intentions of the towne that 
the persons only abovemenlioned [ninety-one in all,] (see appendix, 
letter D,) are acknowledged to be freeholders by the towne and to 
have a proportionable right in all waste lands, commons and rivers 
undisposed and such as from, by or under dicm, or any of them or 
thcyr heyrs, have bought, gi-anted or purchased from them or any of 
them theyr right and title thereitnto and none else, provided also 
that no freeholder shall bring in any cattle of other men's or towncs, 
on the towne's commons above or beyond theyr proportions other- 
wise than the freemen shall permit.' :{: 

1643. 

This year, the fifth of March, ' at seven in the morning, being tlie 
Lord's day, there was a great earthquake. It came with a rumbling 
noise like the former but through the Lord's mercy it did no harm.' § 

March 28/.h. The town ' ordered that every house lott shall be 
foure acres ' and ' that he that hath least land in the new towne shall 
have eight acres except John Swett, Thomas Silver and John 
Russe.' f 

' For the confirmation of all men's proprietyes, and direction 
likewise for the exchanges in the new towne, itt is ordered that all 
the lands as they are entered into the towne's book shall be estab- 
lished and confirmed to the owners according as they are entered, 
unlesse that any man shall bring in just and right exception against 
any man's porlion of land within fourteene days after this time to 

* Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. 78, 87. t Colonial records. 

X Town records. ^ Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 93. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 39 

Rlr. Lowle, and if there come in none, then the owners thereof shall 
quietly and peaceably tlieiicefortli enjoy the same and shaJl have lib- 
erty to buy or exchange the same or any part or parcels thereof as 
they please.' * 

'Corn,' says Winthrop, 'was very scarce all over the country and 
inany families in most towns had none to eat by the end of April, 
but were forced to live of clams, muscles, dry fish, and so forth, but 
the merchants had great success in the sale of their pipe-staves and 
fish.' The Trial, of Boston, 'made a good voyage, which 'encoiu*- 
aged the merchants and made wine, sugar and cotton very plentiful 
and cheap in the country.' f ' Our supplies from England failing 
much, men began to look about them, and fell to a manufacture of 
cotton, whereof we had store from Barbadoes, and of hemp and 
flax, wherein Rowley, to tiieir great commendation, exceeded all 
other towns.' f 

This year the thirty towns in the colony were divided into four 
counties, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Norfolk contained 
Salisbiu-y, Haverhill, Exeter, Dover, and Portsmouth. Essex was as 
it now is with the exception of the first two towns. 

This year also. May nineteenth, the colonies of Massachusetts, 
New-Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, adopted articles of 
confederation for their mutual advantage. 

July 5th. ' There arose a sudden gust at northwest so violent 
for an hour as it blew down multitudes of trees. It lilted up then- 
meeting house at Newbury, the people being in it. It darkened the 
air with dust, yet through C4od's great mercy it did no hurt, but 
only killed one Indian with the fall of a tree. It was straight J be- 
tween Linne and Hampton.'§ This ■was a removal of their meeting- 
house which neither party anticipated. It was then standing on 
the lower green. 

August 4th. ' There was an assembly at Cambridge of all the 
elders in the country (about fifty in all) such of the ruling elders, as 
w^ould, were present also, none else. The principal occasion was 
because some of the elders went about to set up some things accord- 
ing to the presbytery as of Newbury and so forth. The assembly 
concluded against some parts of the prcsbytcrial way and the 
Newbury ministers took time to consider the argirmcnts,' and so 
forth. § ' There was little rain this winter and no snow till the third 
of IVIarch, the wind continuing west and northwest near six weeks.' § 

1644. 

'Jrinvari/ 10th. Remembering the severall ineonveniencyes, 
multiplicity of suites and vexations arising from the insuHieiency 
of fences, which to remedy in the old towne hath been so difficult, 
yett in our removal to the place appointed for the 7ietv towne ma>/ 

* Town reoonls. t Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. 94, 95. 

I ' Straight,' that is, ' narrow in extent between Lynn and Hampton.' 
§ Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. 124, 130, 155. 



40 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

easily be prevented. Itt is therefore ordered that all fences generall 
and particular at {he first setting- iip slialt t)e made so sulfieient as to 
keepe out all manner of swyne and other cattle great or small and 
at whose fence or part of I'ence any swyne or other cattle sjiall 
break thorough, the party owning the fence shall not only beare and 
suffer all the damages, but shall further pay for each rod so insufR- 
eienl the somme of two sliillings' and so forth. 'It is likewise 
ordered that the owners of all such cattle as the towne shall declare 
to be iinniti) and excessiceti/ different from all other cattle shall pay 
aU the damages their unruly catlle shall doe in breaking thorough 
fences.' * 

' In consideration of Mr. Rawson's keeping the towne book it is 
ordered by us according to our power from tiie towne and courte 
granted to us, that he shall be freed and exempted from all towne 
rates for one whole yeare from the twenly-ninth of September last 
to the twenty-ninth of September next 1644.' * 

'■Jamtarii 11th. Itt is hereby ordered and determined by the 
ordercrs of the towne affaires that the plan of the new towne is, and 
shall be laid out by the lott layers as the house lotts were determined 
by their choice, beginning from the farthermost house lott in the 
South streotc [now called West India lane] thence running through 
the Pine swampe, thence up the High streete, luunbering the lotts in 
the East street to John Barlletl's lott the twenly-ninth then through 
the west side of the High streete to Mr. Lowell's the twenty-eighth 
and so to the end of that streete, then ***** the Field streete to 
Mr. Woodman's the forty-tirst, thence to the end of that streete 
to .John Cheney's the fiftieth then turning to the first cross street 
to ,Iohn Emery's the fifty-first thence conuning up from the river 
side on the east side of the same streete to the other streete the west 
side to Daniel Pierce's the fifty-seventh and so to the river side on 
the side the streete to Mi-. Clarke and others to Francis Plummer the 
sixty-sixth as heereinvmder by names and figures appeare.' * Here 
follow, in the original record, the names of sixty-five men and three 
women. There is also one lot called ' the ferry lott,' and one to 
'John Indian.' This is the first intimation we have on the records, 
that there were any of the aboriginal inhabitants residing in New- 
bury. His lot is numbered sixty-one. The numbers of the lots 
which they chose, are affixed to the names, except seventeen. The 
highest number given is sixty-six. The tract of land which was 
laid out as the ' new towne,' contained, probably, about seven 
hundred acres. The exact limits of the 'new towne' cannot be 
accurately ascertained, as the original plan is lost. It, however, 
extended farther north and south than the town of Ncwburyport 
now does, bvit not so far west, and east by the waters of the 
Merrimac. 

On the same day they determined, that ' their lands shall be liable 
to maintaine aU publick towne charges, as miiustry and such fike, 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 41 

and that thereby they acknowledge their lands.' * They also 
annexed a penalty of two shilling? and sixpence for every ti'ee 'fit for 
limber or fence' within certain prescribed hmits, and 'that all trees 
already felled shall be under the hke penalty,' and ' the trees shall 
lye and reniayne on the ground, till the parly be knowne to whom 
the land belongs that so paying for the labour he may have them to 
serve liis occasions.'* 

March. ' Upon the motion of the deputies ' to the general court, 
' it was ordered that the court should be divided in their consulta- 
tions, the magistrates by themselves, and the deputies by themselves, 
what the one agi-eed upon they should send to the other, and if both 
agreed, then to pass and so forth. This order determined the gi-eat 
contention about the negative voice.' f From this division origi- 
nated the phraseology, tipper and lower house, in consequence of 
the deputies holding their sessions in the lower story, and the 
magistrates occupying the room over their heads. We still hear 
the jihrases ' sent up ' or ' sent down, for concurrence,' when in fact 
both houses are on the same floor. 

June 5th. ' Two of om- ministers' sons,' says Winthrop, ' being 
students in the college, robbed two dweUing houses in the night of 
some fifteen pounds. Being found out they were ordered by the 
governors of the college to be there whipped, which was performed 
by the president himself.' This was probably the first instance of 
the infliction of such a punishment within the walls of old Harvard. 
'The names of these offenders' has escaped the notice of Mr. 
Savage, whose information concerning the early liistory of New 
England, is as remarkable for its variety and extent as its accuracy. 
Their names were James Ward, son of Nathaniel Ward of Ipswich, 
and **** Welde of Roxbury, son of reverend Thomas Welde. 
They robbed the houses of Joshua Hewes, and Joseph Welde, the 
one in March, the other in April, of eleven pounds in money, and 
thirty shillings worth of gunpowder. 

April 10th. ' There was laid out unto John Emei-y junior, four- 
score akers of upland, bee it more or lesse joyneing unto Meni- 
macke river on the north and running from the mouth of Artichoke 
river unto a marked tree by a swampe on the northwest corner 
being about one hundred and thirty-two rods long at the head 
of tJie cove thence abotit an hunth-ed rods to the southwest 
corner, thence ninning on a sti-ait lyne about an hundi-ed and 
fifty-sLx rods to Artichoke river on the east about eighty rods 
broad.' * 

In this month, June, William Franldin, one of the first settlers of 
Newbm-y, and one of the ninety-one gi-antecs in 1G12, v\as hung in 
Boston, for murder. ' He had been found at the last court of assist- 
ants, guilty of murder, but some of the magistrates, doubling of 
the justice of the case, he was preserved till the next [this] coiu-t of 
assistants. The case was this. He had talv.en to aj)pr(;ntice one 

* Town records. t Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 100. 

6 



42 HISTOKr OF NEWBURY. 

Nathaniel Sewell, one of those children sent over the last year' 
from England. ' He used liini with continual rigor and vrnmcrciliil 
correction, and exposed him many times to much cold and wet in 
the winter season, and used divers acts of rigor towards him, as 
hanging him in the chimney and so forth and the boy being very 
poor and weak he tied him upon an horse and so brovight him 
(sometimes sitting and sometimes hanging down) to Boston, being 
five miles off, to a magistrates, and by the way the boy caUing much 
for water, would give him none, though he came close by it, so as 
the boy was near dead when he came to Boston, and died in a few 
hours after.' ^ The governor, magistrates, and elders, having met at 
Salem, JMay thirtieth, to consider this and several other cases, ' the 
magistrates seeming to be satisfied, wan-ant was signed by the 
governor a week after, which was not approved by some in regard of 
his reprieval to the next court of assistants.' * ' He had been 
admitted into the church at Roxbury about a month before.' * 
Tlie following order is transcribed from the Ipswich records : 

3fay 11th. ' It is ordered that all doggs for the space of three weeks after the 
pubUshing hereof shall have one legg tyed up, and if such a dogg shall break 
loose, and be found doing any harm, the owner of the dogg shall pay damages; 
if a man refuse to tye up his dogg's legg, and hee bee found scrapeing up fish 
in a corne fielde the owner tliereof shall pay twelve pence damages, besid» 
whatever damage the Jogg doth. But if any fish their house lotts and receive 
damage by doggs, the owners of those house lotts shall bear the damage 
themselves.' 

In the Exeter records, I find the following, namely : 

' May 19th, 1644. It is agreed that all dogs shall be clog'd and side lined in 
ye day and tied up in the night and if any dogs shall be found trespassing in 
the lots, they that shall find them shall showt them.' 

As in these days 'doggs' were very numerous, and fish almost 
everywhere were necessary as manure for the corn, similar regul i- 
tions were undoubtedly made in Newbury and other places, though 
the record of such penalties and ihe intimation of such a custom, if 
any were made, arc now lost. 

At the same meeting it was ordered, that for every wolf kiUed 
with liounds, ten shillings should be paid, ' and if with a trappe or 
otherwise five shillings ; provided ihey bring the heads to the meet- 
ing house and there nayle them up and give notis thereof to the 
constable, whom \vee appoynt to write in his books due remembrance 
thereof for the clearing of his account to the towne.' f 

In the Hampton records of llie same year we find a declarati n 
somewhat similar. ' It is hereby declared that every townsman, 
which shall kill a wolf and bring the head thereof and nayle the same 
to a little red oake tree at the nortiieast end of the meeting house, 
shall have ten shillings a wolfe for their paynes.' 

As early as this year Water street was laid out. Tliis street at 

* Winthrop, vol. 2. pp. 184, 185. t Ipswich records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 43 

that time was between Thomas Milward's fish house, and dwelling- 
house, wliich stood near the foot of whal is now called Federal 
street. 

' Tristram Coffyn is allowed to keep an ordinary, sell wine, and 
keep a ferry on Newbmy side and George Can- on Salisbury side ' 
of Carr's island. 

' The winter of 1(344-5 was very niUd, and no snow lay, so as 
ploughs might go most part of the winter, but on February sixteenth 
there fell so great a snow in several days as the ways were unpas- 
sable for tlu-ee weeks, so as the court of assistants held not ' * their 
usual session. 

1645. 

March Ath, 1645. ' There %vas granted by the towne of Newbiuy 
to Daniel Pierce twelve akers of upland which was formerly Mr. 
Woodman's, which the said Daniel Pierce requested, promising he 
would rcmaine with us in Newbury as long as hee Uveth uidesse 
hee should return to Old England.' f 

' By an agreement each family in each colony gave one peck of 
corn or one shilling to Cambridge college.' J 

March 5th. This day ' the elders of the chiuches tluroughout the 
united colonies met at Cambridge' to agree upon some answers 'to 
books wTitten in defence of anabaptism and other eiTours and for 
liberty of conscience as a shelter for their toleration and so forth, 
others in maintenance of the Presbyterial government.' § 

September 12th. ' There was granted to William Ballard seven 
akcrs and a halfe of land and five rod in the great field beyond the 
new towne called by the name of dividcnt land to enjoy to him and 
his heirs forever.' f 

December ISth, 1645. Grist .mij.i, number two. A committee of 
seven men were appointed ' at a pulDlique meeting for to procure a 
water-mill || for to be built and set up in said towne [of Newbury] to 
gi-ind theyr corne.' And they agreed to give John Emery and Sam- 
uel Scullard £20 in merchantable pay, to ' give them ten acres of 
upland and six acres of meadow ' and that the said mill is to be free 
from all rates for the first seven years and to be a freehold to them 
and their heirs forever, they on their part agreeing to sett up said 
mill between Nicholas Holt's point and Edward Woodman's bridge 
ready for the towne's use to grind the town's grists at or before the 
twenty-ninth of September, 1646. || 

December 22d. ' Thomas Colman having taken a farme so that 
he cannot attend to lay out lotts, John Pemberton was appointed 
lott layer in his roome' and to joyne with Richard Knight and to 
have fourpcnce per acre and what they are not paid for the towne 
is to see them satisfyed for, the legall means being first used to ob- 
tayne it.' f 

* Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 210. t Town records. t Winlhrop, vol. 2, p. 216. 

§ Wintlirop, vol. 2, p. 248. U Proprietors' records, vol. 1, p. G. 



44 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

During this year the dilliculty commenced between jMi-. ParktT 
and tlie church, concerning church government, and was not finally 
settled till 1672. 

1646. 

' At a towne meeting of the eight men, January second, 1646.' 
' Wee, whose names are in the margent expressed,* for the settleing the 
disturbances that jett remayne about the phmting and selling the meeting 
house that all men may cheerfully goe on to improve their lauds at the new 
towne, doe determine that the meeting house shall be placed and sett up at or 
before, the twentieth of October next in, or upon, a knowle of upland by 
Abrahams Toppan's barne within a sixe or sixteen rodd of this side of tlie gate 
posts, that are sett up in the liigh way by the said Abraham Toppan's barne.' t 
' Edward Rawson contradicente this order.' 

This ' knowle of upland,' where the meeting-house stood after its 
removal, was on tlic norlhwcst corner of the present burying ground 
in the first parish. The following petition to the general coiul, very 
clearly presents the views of those who were opposed to the 
removing of the meeting-house, and shows that 'Edward Rawson' 
was not the only one wlio ' contradicented tliis order.' 

' To the right worshipful!, the ever honored court, the governor, deputy 
governor, with the rest of the assistants and deputies now assembled in Boston.' 

' The humble petition of us the inhabitants of Newbury.' 

' The trae sense and feeling of the great distractions and sad gTievances 
among us, which as far as we see) aro likely dayly to increase upon to our 
farther smart, if not utter confusion rather than to amend, have caused us right 
worshipful with truly mournful hearts, after encountering with many difliculties 
and using the utmost of means yt we know, to bring our sad complaints to your 
ears, intreating you that while yet there is a little hope, which may possibly 
decrease dayly, and so the ad\antage be lost, you would shew a fatherly alfec- 
tion to us and strike in to save us, if it may be from utter breaking. If you 
knew our hearts they would speak far more affectionately than our papers, and 
the sad sighs that are on us (when we consider with ourselves how many 
thousand miles we are come to enjoy ordinances, and the shadow of a godly 
government, and to bequeatli so much, if we could to our little ones after us, 
that have adventured their lives with us, yet as thinsrs now stand we are likely 
to miscarry both of our aims) were you sensible of them, could not but move 
you to the very heart. It is very griefe to us to lay open our case in such man- 
ner as it is, lest we too much discover the shame that is amongst us, yet as 
there hath fonnerly been some smoke of tliis fire in some small occasions 
presented to this court, which hath vanislied because the depth hath been not 
considered, the truth soundly evidenced, nor the just cause of our grief dis- 
covered, therefore we are iuforced to set down things as they are, and though 
in some particulars some persons only have been active, yet it hath bin with 
the well wishes of many, whose eyes have been on them expecting and 
desiring their good issue. And we alone at this time appear in this complaint, 
yet the proceedings and carriaure of some of their chief alfaires are very 
distasteful to most of the towni, though it may be on some other grounds, yet 
we doubt not but to say that more of us appear in this complaint than can be 
produced on the other side, a great many expecting what the issue will be, not 
able any way to help, and so not willing to displease, standing neuter. The 
foundation of all our troubles is a pretcudc^d commission, illegal in itselfe, and 

* Those names are Jame.s Noyes, EiKvard Woodman, John Cutting, John Lowle, 
Richard Knight. Henry Short, 
t Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 45 

as illegally presented, faiie pretences to draw men's consent (nothinp; in the 
issue answered) at first urged some men in particular, privately drawn by over 
persuasions of lair speeches, and when all was done, so many never subscribed, 
whose estates were as much, if not more, than half the towne, without which we 
doubt not to atiirme they had no commission to do any thing as thev did. 
Professions and protestations were made against their proceedings in the begin- 
ning, the illegality and hurt of it often urged, other and far better waies of 
helping the towne"s necessity, proposed. Yet they proceed and secretly 
winding in and iutangling most men by some unadvised act or other of their 
owne seemed at last to be masters of their purpose. The main and very end of 
the said commission [is] in their own confession utterly impossible to be per- 
formed (whereupon we should think the commission voide) the promises and 
ingagements in the same, impossible to be made good and the very principles 
which themselves insisted on, without which they pretend no face or colour to 
do any thing by them in the execution, utterly subverted to the unjust oppres- 
sion of many. Besides private oppositions (not to speake of all the publicke) 
one notorious was this. An action was brought to ye court by some of us, and 
eleven of the jurj- (as was evident by the frequent verdicts not accepted 
brought in by them) were for us, and as far as we could discerne half the bench, 
though all were not present when sentence was given, so a .special verdict 
being accepted the case went against us, though from ditierent giounds in the 
judges. Appeale was made from the sentence, and sLitHcient bond put in at 
the request of those, that managed these adaires. with faithful promise of 
referring it, and standing to the arbitration of those, that were chosen by us, 
we surceased to prosecute appeal, yet have often called upon them, also we 
found ourselves deluded with such a caniage, as our simplicity was not able to 
reach unto. It were too Ion;; and tedious to mention all the particulars, wherein 
their policy (their whole carriage has been full of it) hath wrought on our sim- 
plicity and so left us all at last in misery. To come to the last passages, which 
stir and set on the great [burden] of our sorrows. Discourse at last was had of 
taking down ye meetins-house. Those (as well as we can guesse) that paid 
two parts of three to the building of it, consented not, many strongly opposed it, 
yet the voices of many, that were then servants, and never paid penny to it, 
prevailed, down it is taken without any satisfaction given us, and besides what 
we are forced to pay toward it. The high way in part, that served both town 
and country and the very places assigned to bury the dead, and where many 
dead bodys lye are sold away (as wee are informed, though all things are 
secretly carried) to sett up asaine, where both old and new towne judare it 
unmeete for boih, but especially for us of the ould. The present and already 
seen inconveniences in respect of enjoying the ordinances, which we came so 
many miles to be partakers of, hath caused us oft to sigh in secret, and forcibly 
put us on thought to provide for ourselves, and not to betray the blood of our 
poor innocents, which cannot (or exceeding rarely) be partakers of the ordinary 
means of salvation, nor we ourselves, but uncomfortably, and with great dis- 
tractions, which they of the new towne can experience to us by that little they 
have already felt. Divers propositions wee have made. Att the beginning of 
these motions we promised the elders both of j-m their maintenance (which 
must needs be to our great charge) if they would engage themselves to abide 
with us. We were rejected in this. Since we have made several propositions. 
The to\vne being continued and stretched out neare five miles, if not upwards, 
besides the inconveniences of a great river at the old towne, whereby it cannot 
be imagined that we, ould. feeble men, women and children of all sorts, can 
possibly many of ym goe above three miles to meeting, besides the necessary 
occasions in the winter time of attendance of cattell, which will require divers 
to be neerer, most men bavins small help but by themselves and ye two ends 
of ye towne being most populous, wee have therefore desired either first, that 
one of the elders might be resident with us, though the other be there, the 
church and maintenance still continuing one, and the same, or secondly that 
there miirht be two churches and one elder might be ours, or thirdly, if neither 
of the former might be obtained, then to let us be a church of ourselves, and 
let us have their helpe and furtherance to provide an elder for onrselvesj all 



46 HISTOKV OF WEWBURY. 

vvhirh they know with il iityful expressions and sufficient reasons we have rendered 
to the churcli in writiniT, and wee know not what farther to think to propose, yett 
we can receive no answer of our desires, and wee suppose they cannot answer 
otherwise if they deny us these but that wee must live at home and turn igno- 
rant atheists wee and ours, or attend on the ordinances bee our conditions what 
[they] will with such extraordinary inconveniences, as are not to be borne which 
wee hope that godly magistrates will not sutfer, whose authority is for our good 
to see the townes and churches builded and not destroyed. Having thus 
showed our coihplaints, every particular charge whereof we stand to defend and 
maintaine, and least wee be overtedious we shall now in a word humbly tender 
to you the sum of our requests.' [Here the remainder of the sheet on which 
the petition was written is torn off, and all the names of the signers on the other 
side of the paper except four, lost with it. It concludes thus : ] ' And wee 
profess and hereby engage ourselves to this honored court that if there should 
be thought any just cause of complaint against us that wee should have ye 
better in case these things are granted that wee shall bee ready at any time to be 
directed and take ye advice of others (in case wee cannot agree ourselves) to come 
to equal agreement and composition for the promoting of their prosperous estate 
suitable to our towne, whose good we desire, as well as our owne, whose 
prosperity we heartily wish, though (as we hope yourselves easily conceive) 
necessity forces us to seek your favour in our just petition. And wee the rather 
desire your speciall help in this case because where our whole hope was that in 
case of extremity ye court might and would help us. Two or three, if not 
more of their chiefe stike not to say and speake more than by intimation that 
the court general! hath nothing to do with it nor cannot help us, which, if it 
were so our sorrows would be multiplied. 

Edmund Greenleafe. 

Daniel Thurston. 

Stethen Kent. 

John Poore.' 

Shortly after this p(Mitioii was presented, three of tlie petilioiiers 
removed from Newbury. Mr. Greenleaf went to Boston. Steplien 
Kent moved to Huverliill, Mr. Henry Sewall, senior, moved to 
Rowley, lliat he niic;ht be near tiie meetiiig-liouse there. 

April Sl/i. ' Mr. Hein-y Sewall, Mr. Woodman, Henry Lunt, and 
Archelaus Woodman, were fyned twelve pence apiece, and Steven 
Kent for then absence from the generall towne meeting, to be 
gathered within ten dayes. In case the constable bring it not by 
that time, Anthony Morse is appointed to dislreyne on him for all 
the fynes.' * 

At a town meeting of the eight men, ' the time being too short to 
finish and perfecdy record all the grants, which have bin made by 
the eight men, it is ordered that whatever Mr. Rawson shall record 
that himself or Richard Knight doth perfectly remember was granted 
to any inhabitant shall be by all, and is by all, hereby acknowledged 
to be authentick and legall as any other grant allready recorded, so 
it be done within these six months.'* 

' In the end of June we had a strong hand of God upon us. 
Upon a suddaine innumerable armies of caterpillars filled the 
country all over the English plantations, which devoured whole 
meadows of grasse, Indian corn, and barley. Wheat and rye not 
much. Mucli prayer was made about it and fasting and the Lord 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 47 

heard and took thoin away againe suddenly in all parts of the 
country to the wonderment of all men.'* 

At a general town meeting, the tenth of December, 1646, the 
town being informed that J\lr. Thomas Parker was unwilling to act 
any longer in any matters concerning the new town and that i\Ir. 
Cutting was going to sea, ' did make choyse of Nicholas Noyes and 
William Titcomb to be added to the rest of the new towne men for 
six weeks,' f and so forth. 

December \Qth, 1646. ' At a meeting of the eight men, it is 
ordered that all those that do accept of any lands between the great 
river and Stephen Dummer's farme shall have it on this condition 
that they goe not to divide the church, or oppose the first order or 
agi'eement about the removeing of the towne.' | 

' Granted to Aquilla Chase, anno 1646, four acres of land at the 
new towne for a house lott and sLx acres of upland for a planting 
lott where it is to be had, and six acres of marsh where it is to be 
had, also on condition that he do go to sea, and do service in the 
towne ii-ith a boat for foure years.' f 

' The six acres of upland ' above granted were laid out to Aquilla 
Chase ' beyond the new towne.' 

In what month of this year these conditional gi-ants were made 
to Aquilla Chase, or what was the precise service, which he was 
obligated to perform, the records do not inform us. He, however, 
removed from Hampton to Newbury this year, and sometime prior 
to September, as we find in the county records the following 
presentment : 

' September, 1646. We present Aquilla Chase and wife, and 
David Wheeler for gathering pease on the Sabbath day.' For this 
offence the court orders them to be admonished and their fines 
remitted. For a more particular account of Aquilla Chase see 
appendix, E. 

September 1st. The assembly or synod met at Cambridge, and, 
having continued but about fourteen days, broke up, and was ad- 
journed to the eighth of June, 1647. J 

' This winter [1646] was one of our mildest. No snow all winter 
long, nor sharp weather. We never had a bad day to go to the 
Indians.' § 

1647. 

' Kent's Island.' This year, February seventh, ' the men deputed 
to order the affaires and exchanges of the new towne,' granted to 
Richard Kent, junior, the island, which is still called Kent's island, 
and is stili owned by his descendants. It is thus mentioned in the 

* Roxbury church records. 

+ Town records. There is a tradition in the Chase family, that he was the first 
person, who ever brought a vessel over Newbury bar. He was probably a pilot, and 
fisherman. 

X Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. 270, 271. 

<) Roxbury church records, written by the reverend John Elliot. 



48 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

records. After noticing ' the tenn acres of upland, which the towne 
granted him on the island over the liltlc river, and sbcty four acres 
of marish,' it grants him 'all the rest of the upland and marish on 
the island over tiie little river being one liundred and seventy acres 
or thereabouts, being formerly granted to particular persons.' The 
remainder of the island the said Rieharil Kent, junior, obtained 
either by purchase or exchange, either with the town or individuals, 
' all which land in (he island above mentioned being two hundred 
and fifty-eight acres or thereabouts to enjoy to him and his heires 
forever,' and so forth. * 

April 1st. ' It was ordered that Mr. [Edward] Woodman should 
be moderator of this assembly and appointed to execute ihe former 
order, that ^o confusion be prevented.' * 

This is the first time that mention is made in the records, of a 
' moderator,' though such an officer had undoubtedly been chosen 
annually from the first settlement of the town. At the same meet- 
ing, the ' selectmen,' ' one grand jury man,' a ' constable,' three ' way- 
wardens,' and a 'dejiuty' to the general court, were chosen. This 
deputy was Mr. Edward Rawson, who this year was chosen 
secretary of state, in room of Mi-. Increase Nowell. The next 
town clerk was Mr. John Lowle, who dying June twenty-ninth, 
' Ajithony Somerby was chosen clerk of the writs at Newbury, and 
to record births, deaths and marriages in the place of John Lowle 
deceased.' f 

In May, the following law was passed, namelv : ' it is ordered that 
when any towne shall increase to the number of one hundred fam- 
ilies or householders they shaU set up a grammar school and so forth. 
And if any town neglect the performance hereof above one year, it 
shall pay £5 per annum to the next such school till they shall perform 
such order.' f Li May 1671 the fine was increased to £10, and in 
16S3 to .C20. 

Mill/ is///. The town for £3 'gi-anted to .lohn Emery that parcell 
of land called the greene, about three akcrs, being more or lesse, 
bounded by the half acre lotts on the west, the hye way on the south 
cast and his own land on the north, being in a triangle, only the 
twenty rods [is] reserved in said land for a burying place as it is 
bounded with stakes with a way 1o it from the cast.' * 

This 'bvuying place ' still remains, and is situated east of old town 
hill, in land now owned by iNIr. Paul llsley, and is still called the 
' Emery lot.' 

This year, in the month of January or February, INTary Johnson 
was executed as a witch in Hartford, Connecticut. This was the 
first instance in New England. 

Ma/i lOt/i. ' Upon examination it appeared that there was not 
enough corn in the whole country to last two months.' f 

June Sl/i. The synod again assembled at Cambridge. In conse- 
quence, however, of an epidemical sickness, ' which went through 
the country among the Indians and English, French, and Dutch, 

* Town records. t Colonial leconts. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 49 

the synod were forced to break up of a sudden,' as 'divers of the 
members were taken with it.' ' Not a family, nor but few persons, 
escaped.' ^ 

It was about this time, according to Wintln-op, that ' a trade was 
opened with Barbadoes, and other West India ishuids,' by which 
our catde, provisions, staves, and so forth, were exchanged for' sugar, 
cotton, tobacco and indigo,' which 'were a good help to dischai'ge 
our engagements with England.'* 

Of this trade the inhabitants of Newbury soon began to avail 
themselves, as we shall hereafter see, so that, in the language of 
Samuel Danforth, in his ahnanac for 1648, 

' Heaps of wheat, pork, bisket, beef and beer, 
Masts, pipe-staves, fish should store both far and near, 
Which fetch in wines, cloth, sweets and good tobac- 
O be contented then, ye cannot lack.' 

Dcrrmhrr 2fi/A, 1647. ' Tristram Coflin [senior] is allowed to 
keep an ordinary, and retayle wine, paying according to order, and 
also gi'anted liberty to keep a feiTy at Newbury side.' f This ferry 
crossed the Merrimac at Carr's island, George Carr keeping the 
SaUsbury side, and Tristram Coffin, senior, the ' Newbm-y side.' 



1648. 

April 27th. ' At a general meeting of the freemen of the to-\\Tio 
it was ordered that from henceforth from yeare to yeare the meeting 
for the choyse of towne officers shall be upon the first Monday in 
March upon publick warneing.' :j: 

' There was granted to Thomas Marvyn tvvo akers of land lying 
near to the new pond on the back side of Mr. Nicholas Noyes his 
house lott at the new towne for encouragement to kill wolves, and 
that he shall endeavor to his lUmost to catch them.' J 

Jiinr. ' At this court Margaret Jones of Charlestown was indicted 
and found guilty of witchcraft and hanged for it.' § This was the 
first case of that laiuentable delusion in Massachusetts, which 
requu-ed the services of an executioner. In Danforth's ahuanac for 
this year is the following note set against the fifteenth of June. 
'Alice Jones executed for witchcraft.' Alice should be filargaret. 

Julij 15th. ' The synod met at Cambridge by adjournment.' § 
' This synod,' says Mr. Savage, in a note, ' erected the famous Cam- 
fjridge platform,' which continued so many years, and which was in 
a great degree occasioned by the change of sentiment respecting 
church discipline, entertained by the ministers of Newbmy, ^h: 
Parker and l\Ir. Noyes. 

' John Bartlett, constable, was fined forty shillings for not provid- 
ing measures, and Newbury, presented for want of a sufficient 

* Winthrop, vol. 2, pp. nor., 30!', "10. i Tnlonial rcconls. 

t Town records. § Winthrop, vol. 2, p. 330. 

7 



50 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

pound,' and also presented ' for want of a convenient safe way for 
the new towne to the feny side.' 

* Lieutenant Edmund Grcenleaf is allowed to keep an ordinary 
in Newbury.' f 

' It was ordered that Isaac Buswell and George Can- shall have 
power to call upon Newbury to lay out the country way as far as 
belongs unto them from the island to Mr. Clark's farme.' * 

Clark's farm was near Thurlow's bridge, so called. 

This year the ' court desired Mr. Edward Rawson and jNIr. [Joseph] 
Hills to compose the amendments of the book of laws passed and 
make them as one ; one copy to remain in the hands of the commit- 
tee for the speedy committing them to the press, and the other to 
remain in the hands of the secretary sealed up till the next coinrt.' 

December. Thomas Smith, aged twelve years, fell into a pit on 
his way to school, and was drowned.' 



1649. 

' At a generall towne meeting March sixth, 1649, Mr. Edward 
Rawson was appointed to serve deputy at the next courte of election 
for this towne and to stay and eonsumate the afl'ayres of the coi;n1ry 
according to order for the year following.' 

' At a meeting generall of the freemen the sixth of March 1649. 
' There was chosen INIi'. William Genish, John Saunders, Daniel 
Pierce, Henry Shorle, Richard Knight, Robert Coker, William 
Titcomb, Ai'chelaus Woodman, and John iNIerrill, to bee a commit- 
tee for the towne to view the passages into Plum island and to 
inlbrme the courte by way of petition concerning the righte the 
towne hath to the sayd island and to have full power with Mr. 
Edward Rawson to diaw forth a petition and present it to the 
next general courte.' 

' Mr. Edward Rawson, Mr. John Spenser and IMr. Woodman 
was chosen by the towne to joyne with those men of Ipswich and 
Rowley, that was ajjpointed to bee a committee about Plum island.' J 

Miiji 15///, 1649. The town of Newbury petition the gen(>ral 
court to grant them the whole of Plum island. After declaring 
their confidence in the ' christian readiness of the court to uphold 
the meanest member of this jm'isdietion from sinking under any 
pressure,' and so forth, and so forth, they go on to say : 

'The substance of our desires is that, if after you have heard and perused 
what we say, tliat in right Phim island belongs not to us, yet out of your 
just f;ivour, it maybe granted to us to relieve our pinching necessities, without 
vliirh wc sec 110 leay to continue or stibsist. Our feares were occasioned by a 
petition wliicli was preferred to the last general court for it. Our appreliensioiis 
of om- risht to it are, lirst, because for three or four miles together there is no 
clianuel betwixt us and it. Second, because at low water we can go dry to it 
over many places, in most with carts and horses, which we usually doe, being 

* Salisbury records. t Colonial records. } Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 51 

necessitated so to doe since our iruift to Rowley on the court's request and 
promise that we sliould have any tjiini;- in the court's power to grant. Thirdly, 
because the court's order gives all lands to dead low water maike not exceed- 
ing one hundred rods, to towns, or persons, where any lands do so border. 
In many places Plum island is not ten rods, at no place one hundred rods from 
low water marke. 

' Fourth, because we only can improve it without damage to our neigbouving 
plantations, which none can doe without much damage to your petitioners, ;/ 
not to the ruining of both the meadow and come of your petitioners, and so forth. 
The premises considered we hope (and doubt not) this honorable court will see 
just grounds to answer our request and coutirme the islanil to our towue and we 
shall always as in dut}' we are bound pray, and so forth. 

TiioM.\s P.-vRKER. James Noyes. 

Percival Lowle. William Gerkish. 

John Spencer. Edward Woodman. 

John Sauxders. Henry Short. 

Richard Kent in ye name of ye rest.' 

In answer fo this petition, the court, October seventeenth, 1649, 
granted two fifths of the island to Newbitry, two fifths to Ipswich, 
and one fifth to Rowley. 

March. ' Antjiony Morse was presented for digging a pit and 
not filling it up seasonably.' In this pit Thomas Smith was 
drowned. 

This year, Pentucket, [now Bradford,] ' ordered that Ihe fence 
between us and Newbury shall be made sufficient with three rails 
on penalty of sixpence a rod fine for defect.' 

On the tenth of May, 1649, governor Endicott, deputy governor 
Dudley, with seven of the assistants, bore the following toslimony 
against the wearing of long hair. It is inserted as a cmiosity. 

' Forasmuch as the wearing of long hair after the manner of ruffians and 
barbarous Indians, has begun to invade New England, contrary to the rule of 
God's word, whicli says it is a shame for a man to wear long hair, as also the 
commendable custom generally of all the godly of our nation, until within 
these few years. 

' We the magistrates, who have subscribed this paper {for the shewing of our 
own innocency in this behalf) do declare and manifest our dislike and detesta- 
tion against the wearing of such long hair, as against a thing uncivil and 
unraanlv, whereby men doe defornie themselves and otfend sober and modest 
men, and doe corrupt i;ood manners. We doe therefore earnestly entreat all 
the elders of this jurisdiction (as often as they shall see cause to manifest their 
zeal against it in their publike administrations) to cake care that the members of 
their respective churches be not dehled therewith ; that so such as shall prove 
obstinate and will not reforme themselves, may have God and man to witness 
against them.' 

In the Roxbiu-y church records, and in tiic hand wTiting of the 
venerable John EUiott, I find the following. It is the seventh 
' proposifion about apparel and fashions.' 

' 7. Locks and long haire (now in Enirland called rattle heads and opposite to 
christians, who wear short haire all of a lengthe and therefore called round 
heads) is an otience to many godly christians, and therefore be it known to such, 
tliey walk oflensively.' 



52 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

The first tanner in Newbury, of whom we have any aconnnf, 
was Rfc Nicholas Easton, who was afterward governor of Khode 
Island. He is called by Winthrop, ' one Easton, a tanner.' The 
remains of an old tan-yard are still visible, on land once owned by 
him, and which some years after came into possession of Mr. 
Richard Dole, who, as we learn from his will, carried on, among 
his other occupations, the business of tanning. The site of the 
yard, which is still owned by his descendants, is a lew rods north 
from Parker river bridge, and a few rods east from the main road 
leading to the bridge. John Bartlett was also a tanner. His place 
of business was a short distance from the banks of the Merrimac, 
near the road leading to Amesbmy ferry. In what year he com- 
menced the business, it is impossible to say. Descendants of the 
same name ai-e still engaged in the same business, on the same spot. 
On the nineteenth of April, this year, the 'freemen' granted to Job 
Clements, from Haverhill, a freehold 'conditionally yt he live with 
us heere in Newbury exercising his trade four years or as long as 
he shall live within tiiat fearme and also let the shoemakers of this 
towne have the tirsl profler or the forsalung of his leather, making 
him as good pay as others.'* 

This attempt to secure the services of Job Clement, as tanner, 
failed, he ' not performing the conditions above specifyed.' 

Sejdembcr. Newbury was presented for want of a pound, and 
their constable presented for not providing weights and measures 
according to order of court, but afterward the fine was remitted, f 

' Newljury was presented for want of a sufficient pound and is 
to pay forty shillings, unless it is completed by the first of May 
next.' f 

The following curious sentence of the coiirt, on a citizen of 
Ipswich, is found on the county records. 

' Thomas Scott upon his presentment is fyned ten shillings 
unless he learn Mr. Norton's cluUachise by next coiirt.' 

The records of the court do not state the nalme of the offence, 
which induced the court to inflict the ' chatachise ' on the otttinding 
brother, or its value in money. It appeai-s, however, that he chose 
rather to lose the money than to take the ' chatachise,' as the records 
of the 'next court' inform ns, that ' Thomas Scott not appearing to 
make known that he hath learned Mi'. Norton's chatachise his iyne 
is to be taken.' 

In September, 'there was a general visitation by the small-pox.' J 

1650. 

The first notice we have, on the town records, of any Indians liv- 
ing in Newbury, is in January, 1644, where lot sixty-one in the new 
town is granted to ' .John, Indian.' The next is in April sixteenth 
of this year, where the town, through their selectmen, William Ger- 

* Town records. f County records. J Ro.xbury clairch records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 53 

rish, Abraham Toppan, and Antliony Somcrby, purchase a tract of 
land of ' Great Tom, Indian.' It commences thus : 

' Witness by tliese presents tliat I, Great Tom, Indian, for and in consideration 
of three pounds in hand paid by, and received of, the townsmen of Newbury, 
have given, iiranted, covenanted and fully barjfained, and for and by these 
presents do give, snant, convey, confirme, barirain and sell all that my th*** 
acres of plantinjr land as it is fenced in one entire fence in Newbury lying neere 
ImJian hill with all my right, title and interest in all the woods, commons and 
lands that I have in the township of Newbury to have and to hold, and so forth, 
and so forth. In witness whereof I, the said Great Tom, Indian, have set to 
my hand and seale April sixteenth, 1650. 

The mark « of 
Great Tom, Indian.' 

November 20th. The to^vn ' gi-anted to John Poore twenty-t\vo 
acres of upland,' in consequence of ' his being so remote from 
meeting and dilHcully in coming over the ferry and for his 
satisfaction.' 

September 1th. Mr. John Spencer, nephew of Mi'. John Spencer, 
deceased, sold to Henry Sewall, the mill lot, being fifty acres of 
upland and ten acres of meadow, for si.xtecn pounds sterling. 

In this year, December nineteenth, ' the townsmen at a meeting ' 
voted to pay out of the ' towne rate one shilling for every dozen of 
black birds, tvvo shillings for every dozen of wood-peckers' and 
jays' heads, and three shillings for every dozen of ciowes, and so 
proportionable for any lesser number.' 

'John Tillotson was presented for scandalous and reproachful 
speeches cast on the elders and others in a publick church meeting 
on a Lord's day.' * 

' Henry Somerby was licensed to keep an ordinary instead of 
Mr. Greenleaf.' * 

' John Perry of Newbury is ordered to sit in the stocks one house 
enxt lecture day for abusive carriage to his wife and child.' * 

'John Tillotson on his many oflences is fined twenty pounds, 
])onnd to his good behaviour, and fined twenty-seven pounds for 
killing a mare belonging to Mr. James Noyes.' * 

In an old manuscript, once owned l)y the reverend James Noyes, 
and now by one of his descendants, Rlr. Silas Noyes, is an account 
of the testimony taken in the case of John Tillotson, and some of 
' his many offences,' which induced the court to lay so heavy a fine 
on him. The evidence concludes by saying : ' at last he killed our 
elder's mare, great with foal, and a special good beast she was, 
provoked with her at ye instant, he kiUed her ^\^th a long pike, thrust 
through both her sides,' and so forth, and so forth, and ' the morning 
after this transaction he made a deed to convay all his estate away 
from himselfe offering it to goodman ***** Avhereby our elder 
would have been wholly defrauded of his marc.' 

* County records. 



54 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1651. 

From Jolmson's Wonder-working Providence, published ihis year, 
I make the foUowijig extract: 

' This towni [Newbury] is situated about twelve miles from Ipswitch, neere 
upon tire wide venting streams of Merrimack river, whose strong current is such 
that it liath forced its passage through the mighty rocks, wliich causeth some 
sudden falls and liinders shipping from having any accesse far into the laud. 
This towne is stored with meadows and uphind. Their houses are built very 
scattering, which halh caused some contention about removal of their place for 
sabbath assemblies. It consists of about seventy families. The soules in 
church fellowship are about an hundred. The teaching elders in this place 
have carried it very lovingly toward their people, permitting them to assist in 
admitting of persons into church society, and in church censures, to long as they 
act regnlarly, but in case of iiudadinintst ration they assume the power ichully to 
themselves.'' 

Tlie preceding lines of Johnson very well express the principles 
of church discipline, held by Messrs. Parker and Noyes, and wliich 
occasioned the long and bitter controversy, which was not finally 
settled till a short time before the death of Mi-. Parker in 1(377. A 
majority of the church demanded as a right, what Messrs. Parker 
and Noyes, in the language of Johnson, ' lovingly permitted ' as a 
lavor, and believing that the church in its corporate capacity had a 
right, and were therefore under a sacred obligation, to manage its 
own afi'airs, they contended most strenuously, and with untu-ing 
pertinacity, against their ' elders' assuming,' under any prefect, ' the 
power wholly to themselves.' Full proof of this will be hereafter 
exhibited. 

In consequence of 'divers coniplainis, liaving been made from 
time to time of disorder in the meeting house,' and believing that 
' the abuses in the youth cannot be so easily reformed, unlesse every 
house-holder knows his seat in the meeting-house,' the selectmen, 
the twenty-fourth of .January, 1651, ' liereby order that every house- 
holder both men and women shall sit in those seats, that are 
appointed for them during their lives, and not to presse into seats 
where they are full already.' They also declare that they ' have 
drawne a list of the names of the inhabitants and appointed them 
their places in the meeting-house and have set their names in each 
particular seat where they shall sit and the young men are appointed 
to sit in the four backer seats in tlie gallery and in the two lower 
seats at the west door.' 

This was called ' seating the meeting-house,' and occasioned, as 
wiU be hereafter seen, much cUtficulty. At this time pews were not 
liiiown. The foregoing extract was taken from the quarterly court 
files in Salem. It was a copy fi-om the ' towne booke,' wliich 
cannot now be found. 

As a specimen of some of the cases tried at Salem court, I give 
the following testimony. 'T junior of Newbury came 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 55 

to goodman Sanders' barne and with a great swingell did sti-ilvc 
William Richorson athnrt the bake and so run away.' * 

The town sranted to Riehard Peltingell, fourteen acres of marsh, 
in consideration of his 'yielding up into the towne's hands a way 
' four rods wide through his lantl.' f That way is now Green 
street, formerly called Rolfe's lane. 

March 5th. Henry Short, agent for Mr. Stephen Dummer, sold 
to Thomas Brown and George Little, his 'larm at the Birchen 
meadows containing three hundj-ed acres for twenty-one pounds.' 

October lAt/i. The court made anotiier abortive attempt to 
regukite the fashions of the people, to prescribe wdiat certain classes 
of persons should not wear, and what exceptions ought to be made 
to the general rule. They declare that 'intolerable excesse and 
bravery hath crept in upon us and especially among people of mean 
condition and their utter detestation and dislike that men of mean 
conditions and callings should take upon them the garb of gentle- 
men by wearing gold or sUver lace, or buttons, or points at their 
knees, to walk in great boots, or women of the same ranke, to wear 
silli or tiffany hoods or scarfs, which though allowable to persons of 
greater estates, or more liberal education, they ji^dge it intolerable 
in persons of such like condition.' 

They then order, (hat, with the exception of ' magistrates or any 
publick officer of this jurisdiction, their wives and children, military 
officers or soldiers, or any other, whose education or employment 
have been above the ordinary degree, or whose estates have been 
considerable, though now decayed, or who were not worth two 
hundred ppunds, no person should trangress this law under penalty 
of ten sliiUings.' 

1652. 

On the cottrt records at Salem, I find the following : 

' This is to certify whom it may concern that we the subscribers being called 
upon to testify against [doctor] William Snelling for worJs by him uttered, 
atHrm that being in way of merry discourse, a health being drank to all friends, 
he answered 

I'll pledge my friends, 

And for my foes, 

A plague for their heels, 

And a poxe for their toes.' 

' Since when he hath affirmed that he only intended the proverb used m tlie 
west country, nor do we believe he intended otherwise.' 

William Thomas, 
ThojMas jNIilward. 
'March 12, 1651-2. All which I acknowledge, and I am sorry I did not 
expresse my intent, or that I was so weak as to use so foolish a proverb.' * 

GuLiELMus Snelling. 

So great, however, was the enormity of tiie doctor's offence, that 
neither explanation, nor apology, was of any avail, as the record 

* County records. t Town records. 



56 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

jnfovnis us that ' William Snclling in his presentment for ciO'sing is 
lined ten sliillinss and the fees of court.' ^ 

After this sjjeeimen of iheir abhorrence of profanity, we have a 
right to presume that doctor Snelling was especiaUy careful of what 
he said concerning his neighbors' heels or toes. 

This year a mint was established at Boston, for coining shillings, 
sixpences, and threepences. The pieces at first, had N. E. on one 
side, and XII. VI. or III. on the other. It was afterward ordered, 
that all pieces should have a double ring, with the word Massa- 
chusetts, and a ti-ee in the centre, on one side, and New England 
and 1652 on the other. The same date was continued for thirty 
years after. ' The mint master was John Hull, who raised a large 
fortune from it,' his perquisites being fifteen pence for every twenty 
shillings coined. Judge Sanuiel Sewall maiTied his only daughter, 
and, it is said, received with her tliirty thousand pounds in New 
England shillings. 

This year, Hugh Parsons, of Springfield, was tried for witchcraft, 
but the jury and the magistrates not agreeing, the general court 
acquitted him.f 

This year a prison was built in Ipswich, being the second in the 
Massachusetts colony. 

' Stephen Kent formerly of Newbury was fined ten pounds for 
suffering five Indians to be drunk in his house in Haverhill and 
one wounded, shall pay the fine and satisfy for the cure of the 
wounded Indian.' 

We present ' Elizabeth Randall of Nuberrie for useing reproach- 
ful language unto goody Silver base lieing divell, base lieing todc, 
base lying sow, base lying iade.' ^ 

In December, ' there appeared a comet in Orion, which continued 
its course toward the zenith for the space of a fortnight iiU [f/tc rci-cr- 
eml] Mr. Cotton died: J 

It is thus mentioned in the records of the first church in Boston : 
'December niiuh, a large star with a long blaze appeared. It gi-cw 
less and less till the twenty-second, \vhen it disappeared.' The 
reverend .lohn Cotton died the twenty-third of December. 

November 29th, 16o2. ' There was voted by the major part of 
the towne that there should be a convenient house built for a 
schoole.' 

' There was also voted that th(Te should be twenty pounds a 
yearc allowed for to maintaine a school master out of the towne 
rate. 

'There was also voted lliat Mr. Woodman, Richard Kent, jiuiior, 
lieutenant Pike and Nicholas Noyes should be a committee for the 
managing the business of the schoole.' § 

These votes, with the exception of the gi-ant of Ion acres of land 
to Anthony Soiuerby in KioO, ' lV)r his encouragement to keep 

* County records. t Uiitchinson. 

J Ro,\bury church records. § Town reconls. 



HISTOKV OF NEWBURY. 67 

sfhoole for one year,' contain the first notice on record of the town's 
intention to build a school-house and to support a master at their 
expense. This was, doubtless, in obedience to the law passed by 
the state in May, 1647, as may be seen in Ancient Charters, page 
186, though a school had for many years been taught in the meeting 
house. 

The following extract from the first section of the act of May, 
1647, is worthy of perpetual remeaibrance, and is therefore here 
inserted. 

' It being one chief project of Satan to keep men from the knowledge of the 
scripture, as in foi-mer times keeping: thorn in unknown tongues, so in these 
latter times persnadinsr from the use of tonijues, so that at least the true sense 
and meaning of the original mi<;ht be clouded and corrupted ■svith false glosses 
of deceivers ; to the end that learning may not be burieil in the graves of our 
forefathers, in church and commonwealth the Lord assisting our endeavours, it 
is therefore ordered,' and so forth. 



1653. 

' At a general meeting of the towne, the fourteenth of May, 1053, 
there was ordered that the towne should by an equal proportion 
according to men's estate by way of rate pay twenty-four jjounds 
by the yeare to maintaiiie a free schoole to be kept at the meeting 
house, and the master is to teach all such inlialiitants' children, as shall 
be sent to him so soon as they know their letters and begin to read.' * 

Against the establishment of siicli a school, seventeen persons 
' desired to have their dissents recorded,' all of whom, it appears, 
resided so far from the meeting-house that their children could not 
conveniently attend the school. They wer»> therefore unwilling to 
be taxed to support an institution, which, ho\vcvi-r advantageous to 
the whole town, was not directly benelicial to them. 

September. ' Tristram CoHyn's wife Dionis was presented for 
selling beer,' at his ordinary in Newbury, ' for three pence a quart.' 
Having proved ' upon the testimony of Samuel Moores, that she 
put six bushels of malt into the hogshead she w^as discharged.' f 

The law, which she was supposed to have violated, was passed 
in 164-5, and is as follows, namely: 

' Every person licensed to keep an ordinary, shall always be pro- 
vided with good wholesome beer of four bushels of malt to the 
hogshead, which he shall not sell above two pence the ale quart on 
penalty of forty shillings the lirst offence and for the second offence 
shall lose his license.' 

(loodwife Coffyn probal>ly reasoned thus: 

' As four is to two, so is six to ihrtu'. I 'II have better beer than 
my neighbours and be paid for it. A llg for the law.' 

Other presentments for violations of the law of more consequence 

* Town records. t County records. 

8 



58 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

than selling beer were multiplied. Many of these were for not 
regarding the sumptuary law of 1651. 

. . instance, ' Nicholas Noyes' wife, Hugh March's wife, and 
William Chandler's wife were each presented for wearing a silk 
hood and scarfe,' but were discharged on proof that their husbands 
were worth tAvo hundred pounds each. Jolui Hutchins' wife was 
also discharged ' upon testimony of her being brought up above the 
ordinary rankc.' 

Joseph Swett's wife for the same offence was fined ten shillings. 
Agnes, the wife of deacon Rlcliard Knight, was also presented. 
This troubled the good deacon exceedingly, and induced him to 
solicit Mr. Rawson to send the following letter to one of the magis- 
trates at Salem. 

'Honorable sir, 

An honest godly man, a friend of mine in Newbury, whose name is 
Richard Knight, whetlier of iimorance or n-ilfiilness by some neighbour is pre- 
sented for his wife's wearing of a silli hood, supposing he has not been worth 
two hundred pounds. It being a grievance to Inm, who is advanced [in years] to 
be summoned to a court, that never useth to trouble any, at his request I thought 
tit to inform you on my owne knowledge his estate is better worth than three 
liundred, and therefore I desire you would, as you may, forbeare, in your war- 
rant to insert his name in it, it may be ; if not, at least that you would take 
private satisfaction of him in your chamber, which he can easily give you, or 
any. in a moment. Not else at present but my service to you and Mr. Symon 
Bradstreet. 

Your friend and servant, 

Edward Rawson. 

Now at Newbury, the fourteenth of Augni-st, 1653.' 

' This letter, as it will be seen, was of no avail, though the woman 
was acquitted.' 

This year, the road was laid out from Andover to Newbury, 
'leaving Rowley way at the beginning of a plain by a little swamp 
called Barberry swamp, thence the old way to Falls river, thence 
over the head of Cart creek, thence to Hull's bridge over Hull's plain 
to the mill bridge,' and so forth. 

This yeai- Newbury gave fifteen pounds to Harvard college. 

iSrjitPiiiber 7th. ' The conrt, on hearing that lieutenant Robert 
Pike declared that 'such persons as did act in making lliat law 
restraining unfit persons from constant preaching did ijreak their 
oath to the country, for, said he, it is against the liberty of tlie 
country, both civil and ecclesiastical,' declared that he had been 
guilty of defaming the general court, and order that he shall l)e 
disfranchised, disabled from holding any publiek office, bound lo 
his good behaviour, and fined twenty marks,', equal to thirti-en 
pounds, six sliillings, and eiglit-pence. 

The law alluded to above was made to restrain .Toseph Pcasley and 
Thomas Macy, formerly of Newbury, then of Salisbury, new town, 
from exhorting the people on the sabbath in the absence of a minister. 
This order had no effect on .Joseph Peasley, who still continued his 
preaching in defiance of the law, as we find, in the year 1659. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 59 

The punishment inflicted on lieutenant Pike caused a gxeat 
sensation in the neighborini,' towns. Petitions were presented to llie 
general coui't, containing the names of nearly all the citizens of 
Newbmy, Andover, Hampton, Salisbm-y, and so forth, earnestly 
entreating the magistrates to remit the punishment and the fine 
imposed on lieutenant Pilie. The whole case is a very instructive 
one. It exhibits, on the one hand, the watchful jealousy of the 
people, in consequence of any su])posed or real incroacliments on 
then civil or ecclesiastical rights, and on the other hand the deter- 
mination of the magistrates not to have their authority lightly called 
in question. 

They immediately chose a committee to call the petitioners of the 
several towns together, ascertain their reasons for signing the petition, 
and malce return. This was done in 1654, and eight Newbmy men 
were bound to their good behavior in a bond of ten pounds each for 
signing the petition, tlie remainder having acknowledged their offence. 

October 29th. There was a small shock of an eai-thquake. 



1654. 

Kent's island, with sixteen cows and four oxen on it, was let this 
year, for seven years, by Richard Kent, to Launcelot Granger, for 
forty-six pounds a year. 

' On the ninth of June this year there was a storme of thunder 
and haile, such as hath not been heard of in New England since 
the first planting thereof, which haile fell in the bounds of Hampton, 
the haile being to admiration for the multitude thereof, so that in 
some places it remained after the storm was over twelve inches in 
thickness and was not aU dissolved in two days, many of which 
haUe were said to be three or fovu: inches in length.'* 

September 21st. ' Liberty was granted to the inhabitants of the 
'old towne' to make a fence and hang a gate acrossc the way about 
Anthony Short's or John Kniglit's provided they hinder not the 
cattell from going into the commons there.' f 

Many such fences and gates were erected in vaiious parts of the 
town. There were two on the south side of ' the river Parker,' one, 
a few rods north of the present first parish meeting-house, another, 
on the 'four rod way' south of Turkey hill, and in many other 
places. At this time, and for many years after, travelers, who 
usually went on horseback, were obliged every few miles to dismount 
and open a gate, which the town ordered to be made to open end 
shut ' flippantly.' 

'John Emery was chosen to answer at the next court at Ipswich 
concerning the presentment about the way to Andover.' f 

The selectmen were ordered to examine and require ' an account 
of the money or goods, that hath been gathered to purchase a bell, 
in whose hands it is, and to make report to the lowne.' f 

* Hampton records. 1 Town records. 



60 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

The bell, we liavo rcn,?oii 1o suppose, was obtained about tliis 
time, as we find in Decenilier, ]6(J0, that Anthony Morse was eliosen 
'to keep the meeting-house and ring' flie hell? 

This year the general eonrt declare that ' Riehard Thorlay having 
built a bridge over Newbury river, at his owne cost hath liberty to 
take toll for cattle, sheep, and so forth, so long as he shall maintain 
and repair the same, passengers free.' 

1655. 

April 25th. ' The towne granted to captain Paul White a par- 
cell of land, not exceeding half an acre, about Watts his cellar^ 
for to make a dock, a wliarf, and a warehouse, provided he do 
build a dock, and warehouse as aforesaid ; but the town granteth 
no liberty of freehold or commonage hereby and if he shall here- 
after self it, when he hath built upon it, the town shall have the 
forsalcing of it.' f 

This is the first record of a grant to any person, for permission 
to build a wharf, and so forth, on the Mereimack. The grantee, 
captain Paul White, was a merchant, who had been engaged in 
trade for some years at Pemaquid, now Bristol, Maine, and had 
been in Newbury about two years. 

Miii/2ot/i, iri;>5. .Joseph Swett petitions the honorable court to 
confirm to him the gi-ant of 'Deer island, which the selectmen of 
Newbury have granted him, which is not above six acres of land, 
and is not above six or eight rods from Newbury shore,' and so forth. 

This year, in July, an e]iidemical disease, like that in l(i47, 
pervaded New England, 'whereof many died.' 

June. George ('arrmade'a lloaling bridge five feel wide willi 
rails on each side,' from his island to Salisbury sliore. 'The (loate 
liridge,' .says CTCorge Carr, ' is above two hundred and seventy leet 
long Avith ye faule.' 

The people of Hampton, New Hampshire, proposed to join with 
Kowley, in petitioning the general court for a country way, from 
Carr's ferry to [doctor] Clark's farm, [near ThurrilTs bridge,] and so 
' as direct from thence as may be to Rowley line.' J 



16 5 6. 

3Tiri/ 7th. On tliis day, ' the half acre of land,' granted last year 
to captain Paul White, was laid out 'at the end of Fish street [now 
Slate street] joyneing to Merrimack river on the northwest, and from 
the river by the great rocks ujion a strait lyne to a stake by the way, 

* ' Watts his cfllar,' which is frequently mentioned in the town records, and in deeds 
of land, was on, or just below, the spot where the market-house in Newbiiryport now 
stands. This Watts was, undoulitedly, the tirst (lerson who dug a cellar williiu the 
limits of 'ould Newberry.' He was probably engaged in fishing and trading with the 
Indians. 

1 Town records. } Hampton record.?. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 61 

and from lliat stake to another stake westerly by another great 
rocke,^ and from a stake running over part of the rock upon a 
straight lyne westward to another slake by tlie dock.' f 

With the conditions of the grant he complied, and built a wharf, 
warehouse, and ' stillhouse,' and made a dock. He was extensively 
engaged in business till his death, July twentieth, 1679. 

In June, of this year, INIrs. Ann Hibbens was executed in Boston, 
for the supposed crime of witchcraft. ' This,' says Hutchinson, 
'was the second instance on record of any person's being executed 
for witchcraft in New England. Her husband, who died 1654, had 
been a magisti-ate, and a merciiant of note.' 

' Ml-. Noise, the blessed light at Newbury died.' |: This was the 
reverend James Noyes, who died October twenty-second, ]6oG. 
He had been teacher of the church in Newbury from its first 
formation. 

1657. 

In tlie month of March, died, in Rowley, Mr. Henry SewaU, 
Avhose only son Henry, was one of the first settlers of Newbury. 
He came to Newbm-y soon after his father, and after the removal of 
the meeting-house from the lower green, to the place where it now 
stands, in 1646, he crossed the river to Rowley, and there resided 
through the remainder of his earthly pilgrimage. Dimng the latter 
part of his life, he is said to have been occasionally a little deranged. 
This was proljably the cause of his being two or three times 
presented by the grand jury for various oH'ences. The first instance 
was in December, 1650. The testimony was as follows, namely : 

' Mr. Shnwoll was walkinc; in the foremost seat in the meeting-house neare 
llie pulpit and Mr. Rogers being present and ready lo step into the place to 
begin prayer, said, INIr. Showell, cease your walking. Mr. S. answered, you 
should have come sooner, with more words to that purpose, but he not ceasing 
his walking, presently our pastour added these words, remember where you 
are, this is the house of God, to which Mr. S. answered with a lowd voyce I 
know how to behave in the house of God as well as you. Then our, pastour 
said rather than that lie disturb the congregation, putt him out, to which Mr. S. 
replyed, lett us see who dare. After this a brother spake unto Mr. Showell in 
a friendly wav, but Mr. S. with a steanie countenance and threatning manner 
saide he would take a course with some of us and in many other wordes we doe 
not now remember. Upon another Lord's day Mr. S. was walking, a part of 
the congregation being assembled, Mr. S. did exclaim thus with an audible 
voyce, looking up, good Lord, this day is spent I know not how, and nothing is 
yet done, expressing some trouble in other words.' 

October. General coiut ordered, that ' the penalty for entertain- 
ing qualiers should be forty shillings.' 

* ' The great rocke,' mentioned in tlie grant, stood where Mr. George Granger's store 
now stands, and was at least twenty feet high, 
t Town records. 
J Roxhnry church records. 



62 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1658. 

This year, it appears, incidentally, that tlie town coulcniplated 
building a new meeting-house, as a committee were appointed to 
sell Edward Woodman twelve acres of mai-sh, for which he 
' engages to pay either in boards or nayles or both i'or tlie meeting- 
house.' * 

At what time, precisely, the 'new meeting-house' was built, no 
record informs us. It was, however, erected prior to 16G1, as will 
be seen under that year. 

' Newbury upon their presentment for want of a lattin scoole is 
to pay five pounds to Ipswich latlin scool, unles they by the next 
court provyde a laltin scoole master according to law.' f 

This year, in May and October, there was great diniculty among 
the military companies of Newbury, which was finally settled by 
the general court, who ordered four persons 'to be severally admoii- 
islied and pay tlie several charges of thek neighbours tlie last 
court, namely, four pounds, eight shillings.' 

In this year, Salem paid fifty-three pounds, Ipswich seventy-two 
pounds, and Newbury thirty-four pounds, of the province rate. 



1659. 

' William Trotter for slanderous speeches, to make publick 
acknowledgement next lecture day.' f 

October. Sixteen inhabitants of NewlDury, and six of Dover, 
petition the general court to grant them ' a tract of twelve miles 
square,' in a ' place called Pennecooke,' and ' crave the liberty of 
three years to give in their resolution,' and, in case they determine 
to settle ' a plantation soe far remote,' ' to have ye gi-ant of their 
freedom from publicjue charge for ye space of seven years,' and so 
fortli. The com-t granted them eight miles square, on certain con- 
<litions, with which they did not comply. ' Pennecooke,' now 
Concord, was not settled till 1730, though the first white family 
moved there in 1727. 

'April tliirtielli, old style, there was a great storme of snowe, 
which lay throe or four inches thick upon May-day in the moniing.'J 

This year several persons were prosecuted and fined for violating 
the law of 1657, which prohibited ' entei-taining quakers.' Among 
them was Thomas Macy, one of the first settlers of Newbury, but 
at tliis time a resident in Salisbury. Comiilaint having been made 
against him, he was summoned to appeal- before the general com-t, 
to answer the charges jireferred against him. Instead of complying 
with the requisition, he sent a letter, of wliicli tlie following is a 
copy. 

* Proprietors' records. t County records. f Hampton record.^. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURV. 63 

' This is to entreat the honored court not to be ofi'enJed because of my non- 
appearance. It is not from any slighting the autliority of this honored court, 
nor from feare to answer tlie case, but I have bin for some weeks past very ill, 
and am so at present, and notwithstanding my illness, yet I, desirous to appear, 
have done my utmost endeavour to hire a horse, but cannot procure one at 
present. I being at present destitute have endeavoured to purchase, but at 
present cannot attaine it. but I shall relate the truth of the case as my answer 
should be to ye honored court, and more cannot be proved, nor so much. On a 
rainy morning there came to ray house Edward Wharton and three men more ; 
the said Wharton .spoke to me saying that they were traveling eastward, and 
desired me to direct them in the way to Hampton, and asked me how far it was 
to Casco bay. I never saw any of ye men afore except Wharton, neither did I 
require their names, or who they were, but by their carriage I thought they 
might be quakers and told them so. and therefore desired them to passe on 
their way, saying to them I might possibly give olfence in entertaining them, 
and as soone as the violence of the rain ceased (for it rained very hard) they 
went away, and I never saw them since. The time that they stayed in the 
house was about three quarters of an hour, but I can safely atiirme it was not 
an houre. They spake not many words in the time, neither was I at leisure to 
talke with them for I came home wet to ye skin immediately afore they came 
to the house, and I found my wife sick in bed. If this satislie not the honored 
court, I shall subject to their sentence : I have not willingly offended. I am 
ready to serve and obey you in the Lord.' 

Tho. Macy.* 

Notwithstanding this explanation and apology, he was fined 
thirty shillings, and was ordered to be admonished by the governor, 
for ' entertaining qualcers,' two of whom, William Robinson and 
Marmadnke Stephenson, were hung in Boston, December twenty- 
seventh, 1659. 

Tradition informs us, that Thomas JMacy, immediately after his 
sentence, took an open boat, and with his wife and children, went 
to Nantucket, was one of the first English settlers in that island, 
and there resided the remainder of his life. An amusing ballad, 
founded on the above-mentioned incidents, was written by the poet 
.r. G. Whittier, and published some years ago in a Philadelphia 
annual. See appendix. 

1660. 

Marclt 16th, old sti/le. There was a very severe ' storm of driving 
snow, which drove up in drifts four- feet deep.' f 

The winter of 16o})-60 was ' a very hard v\inter.' f 

This year the county court ' order a road from Rowley to Newbury 
by Richard Thm-rcU's bridge.' 

In September, a return was made of the road, which was laid 
out from the north end of Rowley to Thorla's bridge, and so on 
through the farms of Edmund jMoore's and Robert Adams, then to 
Trotter's bridge, then to the meeting house of Newbury as Andover 
way is laid out.' J 

This year the general eom-t granted to several inhabitants of 
Newbury, on their petition, a tract of land on Saeo river, ' provided 
they have twenty fainilies and a minister settled within foiur years.' 

* General court files. t Hampton records. [ County records. 



64: HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1661. 

January 2Sth. The selectmen agreed with Henry Jaqucs to 
' build a gallery in the new meeting house at both ends and aU along 
on the west side with three substantiall seats all along both sides 
and ends, the said Henry Jaqucs shall fell the timber and provide 
all the stuff both planks, boards, rayles, and juyces and nayles and to 
bring the stuff all in place and make for it three pai^Tre of stayres and 
whatever else is requisite to compleate the said gallery, for which 
he is to have ' thirty, pounds in good current pay or provisions.' 
Also the said Henry Jaqucs shall have aU the old stuffe of the old 
gallery in the old meeting house. The said Henry Jaqucs is also to 
lay a lloore all over the meeting house from beame to bcame and 
the towne doth engage to provide juyces, boards and nayles,' and 
so forth, and so forth. 

From this it is evident that both houses were standing at the 
same time. The old house stood nortli of the new one. 

Jidic 22(1. The selectmen discharged the lot layers, ' as there is 
no more land to be granted by tlie towne.' 

The same month, ' the meeting house was seated,' as it was called. 
Every man and woman had his or her seat designated, the men and 
women in separate seats. The galleries were, as now, on the north, 
west, and south .sides of the house, and were then considered as 
the most desirable parts of the house. In the foreseat of the west 
gallery, were thirteen men, 'which,' say the selectmen, 'are as many 
as can comfortably set in it, and no more may be imposed or 
intruded into it.' 

September 2'3d. Plum island was divided, to 'every one his 
just right,' 'begiiniing at the upland neere Memmack baiTe and so 
extending to Sandy beach.' 

September 25th. Another division was made, ' begimiing at 
Rowley bounds and reaching to Sandy beach.' 

March 9th. General court repeal the laws against qualvcrs. 

Charles second proclaimed Idng, the cightii of August. 

The following singular order is found in the Hampton records. 
It is a curious illustration of the state of society at that period. 

May lfi;/(, Ififil. ' It is onlpiod yt if any person sliall discharge a gunn in 
the meeting liouse, or any other house witliont leave of the owner or liouse 
liolder, hee or tliey shall forfeit live shillings tor every such otl'ence nor shall 
any person ride or lead a horse iutii llie meeting house under the like penalty.' 



1662. 

This year another ))hysician, doctor Henry (Irecnland, with his 
wife Mary, came to Newbiny. He appears to have to have been a 
man of good education, but passionate, unprincipled, and grossly 
immoral. He of com'se soon became involved in dillicultics with 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 65^ 

his neighbors, and caused great excitement among llie sober citizens 
of the town, wlio had not been accustomed to such specimens of 
immorality, as he had displayed before them. 

' It pleased the Lord,' says the apostle Elliot, ' to exercise the 
country with a very severe drought, which some were so rash as to 
impute to the sitting of the synod, but the Lord was pleased to bear 
witness against theh' rashness, for no sooner was the synod met, June 
tenth, but they agreed to set the next day apart to seek his favorable 
presence, and to ask raine, and ye day following the Lord sent 
showers from heaven, and visited the land with seasonable showers 
of rain, week after week until the harvest.' * 

March 'id. ' The marsh lands in the neck over the great river were 
divided as the lands were in Plum island, beginning at the west 
end.' t 

This year the highway from Newbury to Haverhill was laid out. 

' John Atkinson [hatter] liad half an acre of land by the spring 
near Anthony Morse, junior's, house.' f 

Newbury was fined ten pounds for not sending a deputy to general 
court. It was afterward remitted. 

Captain Paul White was licensed by general court ' to stiU strong 
waters for a yeare and sell by the quart.' % 

The county court ordered the road by Thorla's bridge, to be made 
passable by the twelfth of October, 1662, under pen;dty of ten pounds. 

On the twenty-ninth of March, an event occurred in Ipswich, 
which caused gi-eat excitement in Essex county. On that day, one 
J. P. was incarcerated in Ipswich, and ' did that night break prison,' 
' it being,' as the record informs its, ' the first offence of this nature 
committed in this country.' 

The jailer, Theophilus Wilson, deposes, that, on that day, ' he, 
according to order of court, put him into prison, and lockt the dore 
fast, and put Ihe hasp on to the staple on the oidsijcle of the dore, 
v:ldch no)ie within can iinhasp, and left no tooles or means of light 
in the prison.' | 

It was afterward discovered that some of J. P.'s neighbors, not 
liking his confinement, went to Ipswich in the night, ' unhasped the 
dure on the outsijde^ and so forth, and let him return home. 

In the quarterly court records, I find the following : 

' We, James Ordway, John Woolcot. Peter Godfrey and Joshua Woodman, 
do ackno\yledge that \ve are justly to be blamed to come into the seals of other 
men contrary to the order of the selectmen and here by the presents we do 
engage ourselves that we will keep to our own seats and not disturb any man in 
their seats any more.' ' This engagement was unto the selectmen the sixtli of 
June 1662.' 

The cause of their offence was an apprehension that the select- 
men had, without sufficient authority from the town, built some new 
seats in the gallery and assigned them to some individuals. They 

* Roxbury church records. t Town records. t General court records. 

9 



-66 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

therefore took possession of these seats, to which the selectmen had 
not given them any right. Hence there was a contention in the 
meeting-lionse, a summons for them to appear at court, and a set- 
tlement by their promise to behave better in time to come. 

' The winter was very moderate. No frost in the ground till tlie 
twentieth of December.' * 



1663. 

' January 26th. There was an earthquake, at the shutting in of 
the evening,' one of the greatest in New England, and on February 
fifth, another. The first shock continued above half an hour. On 
the same day, at evening, another, and did not cease tUl July 
following. 

On the records of the court at Salem, I find the following, namely : 

' May 5th, 1663. Lydia Ward well on her presentment for cominn; naked into 
Newbury meeting house. The sentence of the court is, that she shall be 
severely whipt and pay the costs and fees to the marshall of Hampton for 
bringing her. Costs, ten shillings, fees two shillings and sixpence. 

The maiden name of the person, who was induced to make such 
an exhibition in Newbury meeting-house, in the time of worship, 
was Lydia Perkins, but at this time the wife of Eliakim Wardwell 
of Hampton. The story is thus told by George Bishop, in his 
' New England Judged.' It is proper to state, that, so far as I 
know, he is, with one exception, the only writer, who attempts to 
justify conduct so strange and fanatical. 

' His wife Lydia, being a young and tender chaste woman, seeing the wick- 
edness of your priests and rulers to her husband, was not at all offended with 
the truth, but as your wickedness abounded, so she withdrew and separated 
from your church at Newbury, of which she was sometimes a member, and 
being given up to the leading of the Lord, after she had been often sent for to 
come thither, to give a reason of such a separation, it being at length upon her 
in the consideration of their miserable condition, who were thus blinded with 
ignorance and persecution, to go to them, and as a sign to them she went in 
(though it was exceeding hard to her modest and shamefaced disposition.) 
naked amongst them, which put them into such a rage, instead of consideration, 
they soon laid hands on her, and to the next court at Ipswich had her, where 
without law they condemned her to be tyed to the fence-post of the tavern 
where they sat — and there sorely lashed her with twenty or thirty cruel stripes. 
And this is the discipline of the church of Newbury in New England, and this 
is their religion, and their usage of tlie handmaid of tlie Lord, who in a great 
cross to her natural temper, came thus among them, a sign indeed, siguiticatory 
enough to them, and suitable to their state, who under the visor of religion, 
were thus blinded into cruel pcrsi'culiou.' 

In the same year 1 find liie follow ing, namely: 

' Elizabeth Webster for taking a faulse oath. The sentence of the court is that 
she shall stand at the meetmg house dore at Newbury the next lecture day 

* Hampton records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 67 

from the ringing the first bell, until the minister be ready to begin prayer 
■with a paper on her head, written in oapitall letters, (for taking a false oath 
IN coi'RT,) the constable to see it done, or else to paye a line of five pounds to 
the treasurer, and to be disabled from taking an oath, and to pay cost and fees.' 
' She made choice to stand at the doore.' * 

At the same court, ' John Emery was fined four pounds for enter- 
taining quakers.' 

His offence consisted in granting food and lodging to two men 
and two women, who were traveling farther east. One of the 
witnesses ' testified that he [John Emery] toolc them by the hand 
and bid them welcome.' I shall make no comments on these extracts, 
nor any apology for inserting them. The duty of an historian is to 
find facts, and not to make them. An accurate picture of the sun 
should exhibit its spots as well as its brightness. To veil the one, 
or omit the other, would be a caricature, and not a likeness, and, 
should the features I have attempted to delineate, here or elsewhere, 
be deemed harsh and repulsive, the blame should be cast, not on the 
accuracy of the painter, but the inherent ugliness of the subject. 
The first settlers of New England were a noble race of men, and 
the wonder is, not that they had faults, but that they were so few in 
comparison with all other sect.s and people of the age in which they 
lived. In the language of Bancroft, ' they, of all contemporary sects, 
were the most free from credulity, and in their zeal for reform pushed 
their regulations to what some would consider a skeptical extreme. 
So many superstitions had been bundled up with every venerable 
institution of Europe, that ages have not yet dislodged them all. 
The puritans at once emancipated themselves from a crowd of 
observances- They established a worship purely spiritual. To 
them the elements remained but bread and wine ; they invoked no 
saints ; they raised no altar ; they adored no crucifix ; they kissed 
no book ; they asked no absolution ; they paid no tithes ; they saw 
in the priest nothing more tlian a man. The chiu'ch, as a place of 
worship was to them but a meeting house ; they dug no graves in 
consecrated earth. Unlike their posterity, they mtirried without a 
minister, and buried the dead without a prayer.' 

On March thirty-first, doctor Henry Greenland was found guilty 
of the charge preferred against him by Mary Rolfe. The court 
sentenced him ' to be imprisotied till next sessions of the court, then 
to be whipt or pay a fine of thirty pounds and be bound to good 
behaviour.' 

One of the witnesses in his behalf, testified, that ' he had been a 
soldier, and was a gentleman, and they must have their fibertyes.' 
Another asserted, that, as he was a stranger, and a ' great man, it 
would be best not to make an uprore but to let him goe away 
privately.' 

On the twenty-seventh of September, 1664, he was convicted, with 
captain Walter Barefoote, of an assault on William Thomas, and 

* County records. 



68 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Richard Dole. He was again fined and bound to keep the peace. 
He appealed to the general court, who confirmed his sentence, and 
ordered him 'to depart the jurisdiction and not to practice physic or 
sm-gery.' From 1666 to l(i7:3 he was living in Kittery, where, for 
the present, we will leave him. 

June 18th. John and Rebecca Bishop sold to Peter Cheney ' all 
the mill and mill house lately erected in Newbury on the little river 
with the stone, wheel, and so forth, and so forth, for two hunch-ed and 
lifty pounds sterling.' 

Julij 26//t. This day the reverend John Woodbridge returned 
from England, where he had resided about sLxteen years. 

He was immediately engaged to assist his uncle Parker in 
preaching. The town voted him thirty pounds for the first half year, 
beginning the twenty-fifth of September, 'for his encouragement in 
the ministry.' 

November lOl/i. ' The country way according to order of court 
was laid out from Mill bridge to Rowley bounds,' notwithstanding 
the town's remonstrance. 

As this ' country way ' was laid out in a new place, causing the 
town much expense, the inhabitants had remonstrated in a petition 
sent to the general court the preceding June. Among other things, 
they state, ' wee have already for many yeares made and maintained 
an ancient country rode according to the order of the general court, 
according to which our towne hath been modelled and men have 
built and fenced, and also om- ferry constituted, whereas our towne 
might otherwise have been modelled with gi-eat convenience, had it 
not been for the country high way. All which notwithstanding, the 
honorable county court is pleased to impose upon us this new coun- 
try high way, and have enjoined us under a fine to make a way 
over a great marsh of about a hundred rod by the end of June, 
which the towne are in no wise comfortably capable to perform.' 
After speaking of 'the extreme charge, which the towne necessarily 
would be put to,' 'in purchasing land through men's pioprietycs near 
three mile,' which must be fenced, and liridges built over several con- 
siderable swamps and small brooks, and so forth, ' beside the miry- 
nessc of the said waye and unevenness of it by reason of the rocky 
and low lande, througii which the way is to goe,' they then petition 
the general com-t, ' that so great a burthen may not be imposed 
upon us but that the country may be satisfied with the old antient 
country roade, which we have from the beginninge of our towne 
maintained,' or ' that their fine may be remitted, and that the said 
new wave may be purchased, made and maintained at the charge 
of the country or county, or by those that have occasion to make 
use thereof.' June second, 1663. 

Jocelyn, who was in New England this year, thus writes : 

' On tiie south side of INTerrimaek river, and near upon the wide 
venting streams thereof, is situated Ninvberrie. The houses arc 
scattering, well stored wilh meadow, uiiland, and arable, and abottl 
four hundred head of cattle' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 69 



1664. 



March. On petition of lieutenant Jolm Pike, an acre of 'land, 
eight rods broad and twenty-two long was laid out to his brother 
Thomas Tm-vill, beginning at a stake near the spring behveen 
Hem-y Jaques' and George Littles' for to set up tanning of leather, 
provided he follow his trade of tanning.' * 

Mcu) 6t/i. ' All horses and dry cattle to be cleared out of Plum 
island, and all fences to be made up by the thirteenth of May.' * 

Jiilij 6t/i. ' Giles Cromwell is to keep the boys in order in the 
meeting house, and to give notice to selectmen of such as are out 
of order, and to have six shillings for his paynes.' * 

October 26th. ' Major part of the towne voted that Blr. Parker 
should have but sixty pounds per year.' * 

Here we have indirecdy the first intimation of any difficulty 
between the reverend jNIr. Parker and a portion of the chm-ch. It 
had been of long standing, and originated, as we shall see hereafter, 
not from any difference in point of doch-ine, or want of personal 
respect and esteem, but solely from his change of views respecting 
cliurch government. Their first recorded manifestation of their 
disapproval of this change was the reduction of his salary, but the 
next June, their sense of justice induced them to raise it again to 
eighty pounds, per annum, which, notwithstanding all the subse- 
quent ditficulties, in which he was involved in consequence of his 
change of opinion respecting church government and discipline, 
was regularly paid to him through Ufe. 

June 26th~ 'About this time began the blasting of the wheat to be 
perceived.' f This was consti'ued by the qiiakers as a judgment 
from God, an evident token of his displeasm-e against the people 
of Massachusetts for the cruel persecutions, which had been inflicted 
on many of that persuasion in the state some years before. Similar 
opinions were at this time entertained by all denominations of 
christians. If any calamity should i'aU upon their opponents, it was 
a judgment ; if on themselves, it was a trial. 



1665. 

' Town voted to pay forty shillings for every wolf that is killed 
within the towne.' ^ 

June 3d. Town voted that IMr. Parker ' shall have eighty pounds 
a year, and ]\'L-. Woodbridge sLxty pounds.' 

November 1st. ' It was voted whether Mr. Woodbridge should 
be chosen by papers to preach to the towne for one year. There 
were four votes in the affirmative and thirty-one blanks.' * 

Drccmhrr 2oth. Anthony Morse, senior, is to keep the meeting- 
house and ring the bell, ' see that the house be cleane swept, and the 

* Town records. t Rexbury cluircti reoords. 



70 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

glasse of the windows to be carefully look't unto, if any should 
happen to be loosed with the wind, to be nailed close ng-ain.' * 

' The winter of 1664-65 was mild and moderate till ihe middle of 
the month. On the fourth of February a comet disappeared, wiiich 
had been visible from the seventeenth of November 1664.' 

' Winter and summer wheat again sti'uclc with mildew.' f 

At the close of this summer, Philip Carteret, having been appointed 
governor of New Jersey, settled at Elizabethtowm, which he made 
the seat of his government, and despatched agents into New Eng- 
land to puljlish the constitution and invite emigTants. In conse- 
quence of this invitation, several persons went from Newbury and 
settled in a township, which, in honor of the reverend John Wood- 
bridge, of Newbury, was called Woodbridge, which name it stiU 
retains. Of these emigrants from Newbury some returned, while 
others remained, and became distinguished both in civil and military 
life. Among them may be mentioned the name.? of captain John 
Pike, the ancestor of general Zebulon Montgomery Pike, who was 
killed at the battle of Queenstown in 1812, Thomas Bloomfield, the 
ancestor of Joseph Bloomfield, for some years governor of New 
Jersey, John Bishop, senior and junior, Jonathan Hayncs, Henry 
Jaques, George March, Stephen Kent, Abraham Toppan, junior, 
Elisha Ilsley, Hugh March, John Bloomfield, Samuel Moore, 
Natlianiel Webster, John Ilsley, and others. 

Daniel Pierce bought a tract of land in New Jersey of Mi-. Ogden 
Luke Watson, and sold it to Henry Jaques. 

This year Thomas Thorlay killed seven wolves in Newbury. 



1666. 

' March Sth. Liberty was granted to such as would build a 
shelter for liorses, by goodman [Abraham] Toppan's fence, provided 
they do not malve it above twelve foot high.' * 

March 13th. The town ordered that a small ' house shall be built 
for shelter of the herdsmen, and a large pen for the cattle, and two 
herdsmen shall attend the cattle all summer to keep them from 
coming to the lower commons [below Artichoke river] and pen 
them every night.' * 

April 25th. ' Voted tliat Mr. Parker's eighty pounds by the yeare 
fihould be paid him yearly and Rlr. Woodbridge to have sixty pounds 
a year till further order.' * 

' An army of caterpillars came this season, and a severe drougiit.' 
' Wheat mildewed again.' f ' Tlie canker worm first appeared in 
New England this year.' 

* Town records. t Roxliury cliiuch records. 



HISTORY OF NEWRCRY. 71 



1G6T 



' At a general meeting of the town, JMuix-li first, ^h. Woodbridge 
was voted (man by man called over,) to have sLvty pounds a year 
for preaching.'' * 

' Winter very moderate, Utile snow or bad wcatlier.' 



1668. 

In June tlie selectmen and other inhabitants of NewVuiry petitioned 
the court at Salem that ' captain Paul White be licensed to sell 
wine out of dores by retaile for the necessary relief of some sick or 
other indigent persons by whom the churches exigencies have sundry 
times been supplied, who also may the more conveniently accom- 
modate the churches occasions from time to time, until some man 
be licensed to keep ordinary here.' 

By this it appears, that, at this time, tlicre was no ' ordinary,' or, in 
other words, no tavern in Newbury. From other documents in the 
general court records we learn that it was dilficult, and for a time 
impossible, to induce any person to open a public house for the 
accommodation of travelers, and so forth. At last Hugh JNIarch 
consented to leave his farm and commence the tavern keeping on a 
large scale in the year 1670. His expenses, as he himself informs 
us, for fitting up his house, stables, and so forth, were more tlian 
five hundred pounds — a large sum for those days. His stand, 
which w£is, for many years, a noted place, was near the head of 
Marlborough street, on the spot where Messrs. John and Ste)ihen 
Ilsley now reside. In 1673 he petitioned ' against Paul While's 
selling wine,' stating tliat ' so it is that captain White under colour 
of providing the sacrament wines, doth frequently retaile wines unto 
the inhabitants and others to the damage and disabling your petitioner.' 

The quantity of wine used on sacramental occasions during the 
year, was, as we shall hereafter see, very great. 

^Marcli 2'1. Town voted counting man by man, that ]Mr. Wood- 
bridge shall have sixty pounds a yeare for his preaeiiing.' * This 
was conlinued till May twenty-first, 1670, when the town voted that 
' the order should be void.' * 

In this year the meeting-house was again ' seated,' and a watch- 
house built on the east side of the upper green. 

March. ' The town ordered that no horses shall be tyed within 
side or wifhoiif side the fence ' by the meeting-house gate, ' under 
penalty ***** for each offence.' * 

Tradition informs us that the meeting-house was surrounded Avith 
' pales,' through which, by a gate or gates, the meeting-house was 
entered. Near these gates the horses were tied, and they would 
frequently get across the path, often to the great inconvenience of 

* Town records. 



72 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

those, who wiwlicd 1o go to ' meeting.' This induced the sek-etmen 
to prohibit aU persons from tying their horses outside, of the I'enee. 
To their great surprise, however, they found on the next public 
meeting, several horses 'tyed' inside the fence. This caused them 
to make Ihe order above-mentioned, forbidding all persons hereafter 
to tie their horses any where, either inside Ihe fence or out. Thus 
much tradition, which derives some confirmation from the order 
just mentioned, a great jiart of which on the original record, is 
entirely illegible. 

December Sd. ' The selectmen granted liberty to five persons to 
build a pew for their wives at the east end of the south gallery to 
the ])ulpit.' * This was probably the first pew ever built in the 
' meeting house.' 

Decemljer 2ist. A road was laid out ' from Goodwin's ferry to 
Amesbury mill,' and ' one from Newbury to Rowley village,' now 
Bradford. 

April. Salisliury new town was called Amesbmy, and a ferry 
established there. f 

1G69. 

The ecclesiastical difficulties, with which, in a gi-eater or less 
degree, the whole town had been agitated for ihe last twenty-four 
years, had at this time arisen to such a height, that an appeal to the 
civil authority was deemed necessary in order to adjust their differ- 
ences and restore harmony among them. The primary cause of 
the disturbances, was a change of sentiment, which Messrs. Parker 
and Noyes manifested, respecting church government and discipline, 
as early as 1645, as may be seen in the former part of this book. 
In 1G47 Mr. Noyes published in London a large rpiarto work of 
ninety-five pages, entitled the ' Temple measmx'd or a brief survey 
of the Temple mystical, which is the instituted church of Christ.' 
Of the author, the preface, written by another hand, thus speaks : ' he 
is altogether free from a spirit of faction, seeking only truth and 
satisfaction; and therefore he hath ingeniously laid down his 
judgment, which is in some things coincident with the judgment 
of the reverend presbyt(n-s of New England ; in some things con- 
senting with our reverend assembly here 'in England and in some 
things distant from them both ; being neither for Ai'istotle, nor for 
Plato, but for truth; neither for Paul nor for Apollos brrt for Christ.' 

The sentiments of Mr. Noyes may be learned from the following 
extracts from the work above mentioned. 

' The church is to be carried, not to carry; to oliey, not to com- 
mand ; to be subject, not to govern.' In another place he thus 
writes: 'if all members, young and old, children and men, if thou- 
sands together must judge and govern upon conscience together 
with llie presbytery, first, it must needs interrupt tlu; work. Second, 

* Town vprortis. t Colonial records. 



HISTORY OF NEWKL'RY. 73 

it is work enous'i, a double labour for tlie elders to instruct the 
church iiow to jiuli^c. There is more time spent in informing the 
chiu-ch, than in determining the case. Must elders hold the hands 
of the common members (as the master teacheth scholars to write) 
and act only by them ? Third, pride is an epidemical disease in a dem- 
ocratical government. Who is suflicient to hold the reins of author- 
ity ? Where there are no standing magistrates in the commonwealth, 
and in the church, no governors at all, the offspring is like to be 
an Ichabod. Fourth, confusion and disorder arc inevitable. Tiirba 
ruunt. The ehmx-h ought to be a pattern of punctual order. A 
democracie is called by Plato, nundines populai-es. Fifth, as a 
church must needs be too long a doing by so many, when it is easy, 
so it must needs be done too soon by such as are precipitant, when 
it is dillicult. Some are conscientious and scrupulous, others 
unreasonable, ignorant, youthful. This is a paidocracy as well as a 
democracy. The seat of government is the seat of wisdom.' 

Similar sentiments were embraced, we have reason to believe, by 
Messrs. Parker and Woodbridge. Of the former, the reverend 
Nicholas Noyes, in his letter in the Magnalia, expressly says : ' he 
no ways approved of a g-overning- vote in the fralernifj/, but took 
their consent in a silential way.' Of his uncle, Mr. James Noyes, 
he thus \\Titcs : ' they who differed from him in smaller matters as 
to discipline, held a most amicable coiTespondcnce with him," and that 
during the time of his ministry, which ended by his death in 1656, 
there was not ' any cojisidcrable trouble in the chvu-ch.' That occa- 
sional difficulties had arisen between the ministers and the people, 
we have sufficient testimony. Differing as they did on the question 
into whose hands the power of church discipline was committed, 
occasions of disagi'eement must of necessity have arisen, especially 
among a people so tenacious of their supposed rights, and so 
exceedingly jealous of every real or apparent encroachment on 
their power. After the return of Mr. John Woodbridge from Eng- 
land, in 1663, he was employed by the town to assist his uncle 
Parker in preaching. We find no record of any diificulty between 
them and the people, till November first, 1665, when the record 
informs us, that thirty-five votes ' by papers,' were cast, of which 
four votes were for him, and thirty-five were blanks. Mr. Wood- 
bridge continued to preach to the people, by an annual vote of the 
town, with a salary of sixty pounds a year, till November twenty- 
first, 1670, when the town agreed to employ him no longer. From 
1665 to 1669, there is great reason to believe, that the whole church 
and town were in a very excited and unbrolhcrly state, not from any 
dislike to the doctrine, or objection to the character, of either Mr. 
Parker or Mr. Woodbridge, for they were both highly esteemed, 
and honored, but from a real or supposed infringement of their 
rights and privileges as men and christians. The church was divided 
into two nearly equal parties, the one was called Mr. Parker's party, 
and the other, Mr. Woodman's |)arty, so called from Mr. Edward 
Woodman, a man of talents, influence, firmness, and decision. As 
10 



74 HltfTOKr OF NEWBURY. 

our church records prior to 1674 have been lost or destroyed, we 
extract the I'ollowing detailed account from the records of the quarterly 
com't at Salem, where they may be found on file. 

'To the honored court now sittinjj at Ipswich, March thirtieth, 1669.' 

' We whose names are underwritten, for ourselves and others tlie inlrabi- 
tants of Newljury, doe Irumbly present, tlrousrh to our great grief, that Mr. 
Edward Woodman spake in a town assembly before strangers publiquely on 
March llrst, Kitijt, that Mr. John Woodbridye was an intruder, brought in by 
cralt and subtilty, and so kept in, notwithstanding he was voated out twice, 
which we know to be untrue, and look upon as scandalous. Also he said to Mr. 
Parker that he was an apostate and backslider from the truth, that he would set 
up a prelacy, and have more power than the pope, for the pope had his council 
of cardinals, that his practice or actings did not tend to peace or salvation, that 
he was the cause of all our contention and misery. That you are an apostate 
and backslider.' 

' Also he said to captain Gerrish that he was no lover of the truth, that his 
gray hairs would stand where captain Gerrish his bald pate would, all whicli we 
humbly conceive tends not only to the reproach of the parties concerned, but 
to tlie great disturbance of our peace both civil and ecclesiastical, and therefore 
leave it to the serious consideration of this honored court for some suitable 
redress as they shall think meet. 

Richard Kent. 
Witnesses. Henry Short. 

Nicholas Noyes. Anthony Somerby. 

Ensign John Knioht. 

Tristram Coffin. 

Thomas Hale, senior. 

Joseph Muz/ey-. 

Nathaniel Clarke.' 

The following depositions were also taken and put on file : 

' The deposition of James Ordway, Abraham Merrill, and John Bayley.' 
' These deponents say that when Mr. Woodman saith that Mr. Parker was 
the occasion of these contentions by his apostacy and declension (he added) 
from the principles that you have preached and practised, and also proved by 
the word of God, that men's consciences were engaged in it that they cannot 
depart from it unto this day.' 

' Sworn in court, the thirtieth of March, 1669.' 

' Richard Bartlet, James Ordway, and John Emery.' 

' We testify that Mr. Parker in a public meeting said that for tlu» time to come 
I am resolved nothing shall be brought into the church, but it shall be brought 
first to me, and if I approve of it, it sliall be biought in, if 1 do not approve 
it, it shall not be brought in.' 

Sworn as abo\e. 

'The depositions of John Emery, senior, John Emery, jiuiior, Aluaham 
Merrill, and John Bayley.' 

' These deponents say that as Mr. Woodman was speaking in the meetijig-, 
March first, 1669, captain Gerrish stood up and interrupted hinj, nu'utioning 
his giay hairs. ISIr. Woodman said, captain Gerrish, my gray hairs will stand 
in any place where your bald head will stand.' 

Sworn as above. 



' The deposition of William Titcomb, John Emery, Robert Coker and Thomas 
Browne.' 

' These deponents say tliat upon the Lord's day. tlie twenty-first of Blarch, 
1669, after the exercise was ended, Mr. Parker put tliis to the members. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 75 

That those that are for the discontinuance of my cousin Woodbridse in the way 
of preaching, as formerly he liatli done until farther order be talcen, let them 
speak. 

' Afterwards Mr. Parker expressed thus, those that are for the continuance of 
my cousin Woodbridge in the way of preaching as formerly he hath done let 
them express themselves by their silence.' 

Swoni, and so forth. 

See also the testimony of Pike, Brown, Emei-y, and others, in the 
first part of this book, pages sixteen and seventeen. 

To the complaint made against him to the com-t at Ipswich, IMr. 
Woodman replied. This occasioned the following answer li'oin Mr. 
Parker's friends. 

' Whereas Mr. Edward Woodman in his plea or answer to the charges 
exhibited again.st him hath laboured to prove Mr. Woodbridge to be voted from 
preaching by a town record dated March first, 1665, tire honoured court may 
please to consider, first, it doth not appear that any notice was given to the 
inhabitants of that particular respecting Mr. Woodbridge's preaching and so the 
vote, if unanimous, had been invalid. 

' Second, the vote as they call it consists of two parts. First, whether Mr. 
■\Voodbridge should be chosen to preach to the town for one year. Second, 
whether he should be chosen by papers. In which it may be observed that the 
vote was not understood for near half of the company stood otf from both as not 
willing to have it questioned about silencing or calling Mr. Woodbridge from 
preaching, namely to the number of thirtv-one persons, and of them that did vote 
by papers the record saith, and INIr. Woodbridge acknowledgeth, that four of them 
were for Jlr. Woodbridge's preaching, which, if it be taken for a legal vote, the 
vote was for Mr. Woodbridge's preaching. These things considered we humbly 
conceive tViere will be no footing found for what Mr. Woodman and others labour 
to cloud the matter withal.' 

After hearing the evidence on both sides, the court pronounced 
the following sentence : 

'March 30th, 1669. Having heard the complaint presented to this court 
against Mr. Edward Woodman we do judge some passages relating to ISIr. 
Parker and Mr. Woodman to be false and scandalous, and that concerning 
captain Gerrish reproachful and provoking, and the whole greatly otfensive, and 
have therefore ordered that the said Mr. Woodman shall be seriously and 
solemnly admonished and enjoined to m.ake a publiqne confession at the next 
publique town and church meeting at Newbury of his sinful expressions and 
just offence that he hath given, or else to pay live pounds costs and fees. 

' I dissent from this sentence, Samuel Symonds. 

' And I dissent, William Hathorne. 

JMr. Woodman appealed from tliis judgment, to the next court of 
assizes at Boston. 

From this it appears that the court were not unanimous in their 
sentence against Mr. Woodman. This is farther evident from the 
following communication. 

' This court having hoard the complaint made unto us by certayne members 
of the church of Newbury against Mr. Edward Woodman (a member of the 
same church) of several offensive words spoken by the said Woodman in a 
town meeting against the reverend Mr. Parker then pastor, and Mr. Woodbridge, 



76 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

who hath for divers years exercised his frifts amongst tliem, and having; also 
heard the answer of the snid Woodman nnto the particulars expressed in the 
complaint, and weiLthing- the testimonies on both sides sworn in the case, we 
apprehend and judije as followeth namely. That several words and passages 
in the writing or complaint presented to the court and owned by himself or 
proved by others, especially taken merely in themselves without his answer and 
the testimony of others (lien pr<'sent, are highly olfeusive and scandalous. But 
considering his answers and the testimony together with the same, we find the 
matter to be much altered from wliat the naked words as they are expressed in 
the writing do hold forth. We perceive that a great part (if not a greater part) 
of that church doe stand for the congregational way of church government and 
discipline to be exercised amongst them (which is the way the churches here 
doe professe to the whole world to be the way and only way according to 
the gospel of Christ,) and that it is and hath been for a long time a very great 
burthen and grievance to them, that they have not freedom in that respect, 
(where there is occasion of actings) as by the word of God they ought to have, 
ami other churches have in this country, and at tlie beginning their own church 
also quietly did enjoy for some space of time, and that the alteration liath 
occasioned much dilieVences and nnquietudes amongst them. The whole case 
thus considered and weighed together the court doth desire and require that all 
persons concerned on both sides, for the future doe their utmost endeavour to 
settle truth and peace amongst them and freely to blame themselves at a con- 
venient church meeting for their errors and miscarriages and actings or 
unbecoming w-ords in their publique agitations, and that Mr. Woodman in 
particular should soe doe.' 

' This was presented to this court as a suitable determination of the whole 
case, heard in open court holden at Ipswich March thirtieth, 1661), to wluch w-e 
subscribe 

Samuel Symoj^ds, 
William Hatiiorne.' 

This 'determination of the whole case,' by Messrs. Symonds 
and Hathorne, did not, as will be readily supposed, give satisfaction 
to either parly, especially to the friends of Mr. Parker. On the 
contrary, those who had complained to the court, against Mr. 
Woodman, soon after sent in the following paper. 

'To the honored court now sitting at Ipswich this twenty-eighth of 
April 1669. 

' Whereas upon searching the court records we lind a paper in the court 
beginning [this court having heard the complaynt and so forth] subscribed 
Samuel Symonds, William Hathorne, wherein are several things charged, as 
we apprehend illegally, on sundry among us, to our just grief, we desire the 
favour of the court to accept this our paper, as a sliort vindication of ourselves, 
till the opportunity shall be offered for our farther clearing. 

' First, we look not on the paper as the determination or sentence of the 
court, which, had it been, we durst not in any measure have replyed, or contra- 
dicted. 

' Second, nor did we think it any legal evidence towards the issue of the 
ease, in which Mr. Woodman was presented for liis miscarriage. 

' Third, nor can we think it any legal charge to answer wherennto any 
persons were summoned, or made any answer to ; or if it were a censure we 
know not that ever it was first examined, and indeed we know not what to 
make of it, but think it very hard to be in such a matter taxed before we were 
examined. 

' Wliether the said gentlemen were tlie authors of it or no we cannot fell, 
neilVier dare we affirm, yet finding such a paper wherein there is so great 
rejjroof by false accusation insinuated against divers amongst us, we intreat the 
court to accept our coniplaini, that w-; suppose omselves illegally dealt with, 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 77 

seein;; that our law assures us of this liberty amons; other, that no man's name 
shall be blasted, but by virtue or equity of some law established among us. 

' We acknowledge that no man is mentioned by name ; yet when any man 
i.s so dec\-]ihered, that any man, who reads it, may easily ghesse [guess] who is 
intended there is lawful cognisance in law of such infamyes, unle.ss the person 
shall publickly disown it, else how shall men be righted against infamous 
libels ? 

' These things being premised we desire the liberty of freemen to put in our 
plea against such a paper of accusation as we find, with all due submission to 
tile court. 

' First, we judge our case exceedingly prejudiced, that it is insinuated in 
the preamble, that the compla\Tit is betwixt some members of the church, a.s 
if the cause were merely ecclesiastical. We grant the persons interested on 
both sides to be such, yet the cause presented is civil and criminal, not arising 
from some ditl'erence of opinion about discipline, but a publick breach of the 
peace against the plain words, as well as the intention, of the laws, which 
breach of the peace and violation of the law, as freemen of this jurisdiction we 
present to the cognizance of authority, desiring the redress of so great an evil, 
which authority in other like cases hath taken notice of with just indignation. 

' Second, we humbly conceive, that if tlie words taken in themselves are 
highly otiensive and scandalous the defendants' answer hath not made them to 
be good, though he may pretend they mav arise from dillerence of opinion, 
for as we must not lie, neither must we slander, for God and his cause. His 
putting of a fayr glosse will never make good bv words, [that] which is evil 
by deeds, no more than a quaker pretending conscience for reviling. 

' Third, we humbly present this to consideration that whereas the presenters 
of the said Mr. Woodman did out of duty to God, his ministers and the law, 
bring the case to the trial of justice, that for the time to come such irregulari- 
ties, which tended to mutiny, and tumult might be prevented. We humbly 
conceive the sentence of the said paper is such as that it takes oft" the blame 
from the person presented, is a fact evident enoush, else we know not the 
meaning of those words, 'we find the matter much altered,' and loads the 
plaintifls and others of the church, ministers, and people with far greater crimes 
than either Mr. Woodbridge hath done or ever justly could doe, yet can we 
not find in any of the testimonies any one that proves in matter of fact any of 
the conclusions, on which such a censure should be grounded. Somewhat it 
may be there fell from Mr. Woodman in his speech, which among other false- 
hoods by him charged on us, might give a hint of such a thing, yet we suppose 
such a speech is far too weak to infer such couclusions, as the paper seems to 
brand us with. Such as these. 

' First, it intimates that though a great or greater part of the church stand 
for the congregational way of church government and discipline, yet according 
as other churches doe enjoy it, as the way of God, they cannot, which in point 
of fact is utterly denied. 

' Second, that they have not their freedom to vote, or act, according to the 
■word of God, or accordiuff as other churches, or as themselves heretofore had, 
which, if it were true, as the paper seems to accept it for a truth, were such a 
scandal, as justly deserved reproof and censure, for that they who do it would 
be accounted sacrilegious robbers of the churches, yet we assure ourselves that 
none of the opposites dare affirm it, it being so notoriou.sly and evidently false. 
Let any act within twenty years or upwards be produced of this nature, that 
hath been carried on withoiit the churches' consent or the major part thereof 
We can evidence that Mr. Parker hath been blamed for bringing things of too 
meane a nature to the churches examination, and strangers have taken notice of 
the over much liberty of some in church actings. 

' Third, we hope we have not deserved to be noted as a singular people 
contrary to the professed persuasion and practice of all the churches which we 
know not what the intimation of such a charge should aim at, but to raise an 
odium on us in the country when we are innocent of any such thing. 

' Fourth, then the alteration hath caused much difference and unquietness 
among those, which by the intimation lights on the plaintiffs, or ministers, who 



78 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

have made the aheration, which is as false as the rest, yet the difTerence in 
this case to he considered arises only from the manner of testifying the assent 
or dissent of the church, not from any substantial disagreement. Near thirty 
years since at a synod at Cambridge it was proposed, and it was consented 
unto by them, that if the ministers thought it most convenient to vote by speech 
and silence, rather than by lifting up the hand, they had nothing against it, 
seeing the one was a testimony of consent as well as the other, so this kind of 
voting began and continued in practice without dilierence or interruption for a 
good season. Afterwards when some ditference arose at Newbury that there 
was need of a council, this among other things was put in. and in tine it was 
concluded and consented to by the people that things should be carried on in 
this manner without disturbance. A third time near six years since there being 
occasion of a council at Newbury (in all which transactions Mr. Woodman was 
the chief instrument to oppose the minister) this among other ditlerences came 
into discourse. The same conclusion was as before that things sliould be car- 
ried on in this way with love and peace, yet several times since and more 
strongly now at last, Mr. Woodman by violence of opposition hath made open 
protestation and resistance against it ; and no distLubance or alteration hath 
been made but by them against a thing so long used and approved, and so we 
leave it to any impartial judgment to determine who is the cause of that altera- 
tion, which hath occasioned so much dilierence and unquietness, which though 
it be imputed to the plauititi's, yet we suppose it rather to be to the unquiet and 
turbulent spirits of the opposites, and let any man judge whether this course 
only (for there is no other) be a sulficient cause of complaining of so great a 
burthen. 

William Gerrish. Richard Kent. 

Richard Dole. Henry Short. 

Tristram Cokfin. Anthony Somerby.' 

From subsequent events it is evident, that the action of the court 
on the complaint exhibited against Mr. Woodman by the friends of 
]Mr. Parker, was not attended by any beneiieial results. This, without 
doubt, was partly owing to the fact, that the magistrates who had 
cognizance of the case were divided in opinion. So far from resting 
satisfied with the decision, or decisions, of the court, as the case 
might be, each party returned home, confident of the rectitude and 
justice of their cause, and determined not to submit to the other. 
Each party claimed to be the church, as each claimed to have a 
majority of the members. 

' So sit two kings of Brentford on one throne, 
United, yet divided, twain in one.' 

On the third of November, a council was called, who thus report : 

'November 5th, 1669. We, the elders and messengers of our respective 
churches, (who in answer to your desires expressed in your letter to them have 
sent us hither where accordingly we have convened,) in the deep sense of your 
soul atHicted state, the ditiiculty and intricacy of the matters before us our 
own insufficiency to reach the narrows comprehended in your questions and 
case, as it is circumstanced in the momentousness both of the nature of your 
proposals and the issues of our answers in way of advice and determination 
therein, have earnestly sought the face of the great Counsellor of his people, 
and implored the mercy of the hearer of prayers in these so weighty concerns 
to liis name, the order of his house, the peace and welfare both of this and of 
the rest of your churches. And in the awful apprehension of the all-seeing eye 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 79 

upon us, as in all our transactions about the case presented to us, and of the 
solemn account, which we must one day 'jive thereof to tlie highest Lord and 
Judge oi (juick and dead, alter solemn and serious considerations had, and 
disquisitions and searches made, of and into the paiticulars presented to us, we 
have been moved, and, as we trust by the Holy Ghost to accord and issue in 
this as the joint result of our minds, judgments and hearts therein as foUoweth, 
namely : 

' First, that the particulars respecting their dissenting brethren, declared to 
us by the pastor of this church of Newberry and the brethren with him as 
grievances to them being proved before us as true, we judge they were matters 
of just oti'ence to them, as being publique and deviations from the rules of the 
gospel order, presented in the holy scriptures, and the answerable principles of 
the churches here established and declared in the platform of discipline approved 
for the substance by our general court to be and accordingly practised by the 
congregational churches amongst us, namely, that in an organic church where 
the pastor stands in a state of right administration, any brother or brethren less 
or more in number should openly and freiiuently refuse to observe their pastor's 
counsels or charges, to attend oider of speech or silence and peaceably demean- 
ing theiuselves in any church assemblies and matters there acted, or that they 
should check, curb, oppose, contradict or molest liim in the discharge of his 
pastoral office, work or duty or secondly, that j\lr. Woodman with a great part 
of the members of the church instead of giviiiEc due satisfaction, oft limes called 
for from him and sundry of them unto their pastor, and the brethren adhering 
to him, should publiquely without, yea against, the consent and prohibition of 
their pastor, meet in a church assembly, act as a church by themselves, voting 
these or those church orders of theirs, send messengers to call any other member 
before them to give satisfaction to the church for matters ofiensive to them, as if 
they were the church, which besides that it is cross to religion and reason that 
in an organic body, which is but one entire ecclesiastical whole, consisting of 
the officer and all the rest of the members of that church, that there should be 
any regTilar orderly church, consisting of the major part of the brethren, severed 
from others of their brethren, yea of their pastor, or persons without, and not 
within the church, and such a company so acting as a church being no regular 
church, all their actings as a church are to be accounted irregidar. We judge 
that such practices are breaches of church order, unity and peace, reproachful 
to the way of our churches here, highly dishonorable to Christ and the gospel, 
and tend to confusion, undermining and destruction of gospel order and peace 
in congregational churches amongst us, and that all these fomier irregulars 
done by them as church acts are null, and it will be more offensive in the 
dissenting brethren to act in any such way for time to come. 

' Secondly, that yet considering the time as an hour of churches' temptation, 
the envy and subtlety of the common enemy of the churches, and his too much 
influence upon the spirits even of godly minded ones also, together with the 
remnants of the powers and deceits of the old man in the best, and considering 
how most desirable, amiable, and every way most profitable it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity, and most dearly to love and teiuler one another in the 
Lord, and therefore to study to be quiet, to follow after thing's, which make for 
peace and wherewith they may edify one another, we advise IVIr. Parker and 
the brethren with him to use all gaining and winning means, that may be, that 
they with their dissenting brethren maj" become one in the Lord as in fonner 
limes, meekly yet convincingly by arguments from scripture and reasons 
grounded thereupon, (whether spoken to them, if opportunity of peaceably doing 
thereof, or else by writing to them) to convince them of their iriegularities and 
duly to acknowledge the same, improving also any other lielps for that end and 
patiently waiting for a good issue of all means used and forbearing them in lovo 
meanwhile. 

' Finally in hope and expectation of an amic.ible compliance we have suspended 
any further counsel, which, if necessitated thereto, we shall advise as God 
shall guide according to the rules of the gospel. And now reverend and dear 
brethren, we commend you to God and the word of his grace, which is abh> to 
build you up and give you an inheritance among them, which are sanctified. 



80 HISTORV OF NEWBURY. 

And the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The 
Lord be with you all. 

Thomas Cobbet, 
111 the name, and with the consent, of the 
November fifth, 1669. rest of the members of the council.' 

The above advice, so laboriously written, does not, as might be 
supposed, appear to have done any good, or to have ' reached the 
narrows comprehended in the questions.' On the contrary the year 
ended, leaving both parties less willing ' to love and tender one 
another,' than tliey were at its commenceinent. So coiT))5letely were 
not only the church, but the people absorbed in this subject, and so 
important was the issue of the contest deemed in point of principle, 
that it affected all other matters. Even the military company was 
in such a state as to require attention from the general court. From 
their records is copied the following : 

' May ISth. In consideration of the distractions of the military company in 
Newburv, for the better composure and prevention of the increase tliereof, 
major general Leverett, and major Denni.son are impowered to inquire into the 
grounds thereof on the spot, and settle it if possible.' 

As a curious illustration of the predominant influence, which, at 
this time, and for many years before and after, ecclesiastical matters 
in Massachusetts had in almost bH transactions, the following letter 
from the general court tiles is copied. The signers, it will be recol- 
lected, were the t\\'o ministers of Rowley. 

'Rowley, July 24lh, 1GS9. 
' May it please )-our honors, 

The occasion of these lines is to inform you that 
whereas our military company have nominated Abel Plaits for ensign, we con- 
ceive that it is our duty to declare that we cannot approve of their choice in that 
he is corrupt in his judgment with reference to the Lord's supper, declaring 
against Christ's words of justitication. and hereupon hath withdrawn himself 
from communion with the church in that holy ordinance .some years, besides 
some other things wherein he hath shown no little vanity in his conversation and 
liath demeaned him.self unbecomingly towards the word and towards the dis- 
pensers of it. 

' Having given you this intimation, we leave the matter with your honors to do 
as you .see meet. Thus presenting our .service to you and begging God's pres- 
ence with you, rest your lienors" servants for Jesus' sake. 

Samuel Phillips. 
Edward Paison.' 

In the midst of these difTicnlties, ecclesiastical, military, and so 
forth, Mr. Parker continued his labors, and the peo])le of both par- 
ties regularly ' went to meeting.' On the twenly-fifth of February, 
the selectmen, in consequence of 'complaints of considerable 
persons for want of seals in the meeting house,' ordered three new 
seats to be built, and lifty or sixly persons placed in tiiem by the 
selectmen, on certain conditions. For instance: 

' In the second seat of the men's side below in the meeting house 
is placed Daniel Lunt, James Smith and Joseph Coker, and if 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 81 

Thomas Hale junior, refuse to pay liis share to the new gallery seat 
as others do, then James Smith is placed in the new gallery seat; 
provided he pay his share, and Thomas Hale is to retm-n to his own 
place again. And if Stephen Greenleaf refuse also to pay his 
share accordingly, then he is to return to his own place againe,' and 
so forth, and so forth. * 

From the Salem court record it appears, that some of the people 
were not satisfied with the seats assigned to them by the selectmen, 
but took the liberty of choosing for themselves. Of two of them, 
the com-t records thus speak : ' John Woolcot and Peter Toppan for 
disorderly going and setting on a seat belonging to others are 
fini^d t\venty-seven pounds and four shillings.' 

On the seventeenth of November, there was a 'thanksgiving for 
relief from drought and lengthening out the harvest.' f 



1670. 

In the early part of this year, John Webster was jiresented to the 
coiu-t, 'for reading a paper libel against Thomas Parker on a Lord's 
day in February, a scandalous and reproachful libel.' The follow- 
ing is a copy of the ' paper libel.' It is entitled, ' the answer of ftL\ 



' Whereas IVIr. Parker and the brethren adhering to him, as he saith, have 
lately read, or caused to be read, in the public congresration before the church 
and towne a writing wherein is contained divers charges (some imphcit and 
some explicit) upon the brethren, whicii they say are opposed unto them, and 
that they say are justly otFended with them for sundry scandalous practices by 
them committed, who by their disorderly carriage have demeaned themselves 
unsuitable to the order of the gospel, and irreverently towards their pastor in 
that they have not attended his counsel and declaration of the will of Christ, to 
the frequent breach of order in public meetings and for acting as a divided 
body from their pastor and the rest of the brethren, votinir their acts as church 
acts, and publishing them with other particulars presented to the council lately 
assembled, who detennined, and we with them do judge, that such practices 
are breaches of church order, peace and unity, also you seem to lay the major 
part of the church under a censure and to deny any further treating with them 
until they have reconciled themselves to their ofiended brethren by confessing 
such faults as you have charged upon them. To these things thus charged 
upon us, the major part of the brethren adhering to Jesus Christ and his word 
do answer, that we do not judge ourselves guilty of those sins as you have 
publiquely charged upon us. having duly examined our consciences and actions 
by the word of God, and therefore cannot approve of yoiu- proceedings therein, 
but do conceive that you have proceeded therein beside the rule that Christ 
hath given his church to walk by, and have exercised lordshi)) over God's heri- 
tage by charging the major part of the brethren of the church, as we conceive 
unjustly, with many sins, which you do not so much as name nor specify in 
any such way as whereby we may know what they are, much less to be con- 
victed that we are guiUy of such sins, but under general heads of sins, as that 
we know not what they are for the general of them, nor who are actnally guilty 
of them, if any such should be committed by any of the brethren. Therefore 
it cannot tend to conviction or rel'ormatjou of sin, but rather as we conceive it 

* Town records. t Colonial records. 

11 



82 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

must proceed from some distemper of spirits, and so to be accounted to cast an 
odium upon us and upon the cause we maintain. We therefore conceive that 
that writing is not regular, nor that which will stand with the rule of the gospel, 
to proclaim before the church and the town that we are sinners and that you are 
justly olfended with us before you have used any due or regular means to con- 
vict us, or made any due proof against us that we are such as you have pro- 
claimed us to be, therefore we take it to be a sentence before judgment, the 
coarsest proceeding among men. We do therefore hereby testify that we are 
justly otfended with your irregrdar proceeding in casting such public scandals 
upon us without due cause and besides due order, and we cannot satisfy our 
consciences, otherwise than to declare our dissatisfaction with your proceedings 
and shall take into due consideration what God doth farther call for at our 
hands to bear farther witne.ss against such doings and for the reformation thereof 

'Also we do bear witness against your two sermons out of Matthew 18: 17 
the one presented January thirtieth, and the other February second. We con- 
ceive you have not followed the mind of Christ in several things contained in 
the same sermons, but contrary thereunto, and contrary to the order of the 
churches established by the general court, contrary to the synod booke, contrary 
to the practice of all the churches in this jurisdiction, tending to the breach of 
peace civill and ecclesiastical, and has its tendency to the undermining and 
destroying of all church order allowed in this jurisdiction. 

' This we read as a complaint to the church.' 

The court records proceed to state, that ' John Webster is charged 
with publisliing the contents of this paper annexed in the o])en 
congregation at Newbury on the Sabbath day after meeting without 
leave obtained from the elder which was done at or about tlie 
thirteenth of February, 1670. Question. Guihy or not gitilty ? ' 
To which the jury reply, 'we find according to evidence given that 
John Webster read the contents of this paper annexed in Newbury 
meeting house.' 

The next account I find of the proceedings of the brethren, is the 
following from the quarterly court files in Salem. It will be recol- 
lected that each party claimed to be the church, and to have a 
majority of the members. It is a copy of a paper sent to Mr. 
Parker by Mr. Woodman and his party. It is as foUows : 

' The church having seriously considered of the complaint brought to us by 
Mr. Woodman against our reverend pastor, master Parker and do judge it 
clearly proved by sufficient evidences, and much of it known to our selves to 
be true, do judge that you have been instrumental of the divisions and troubles, 
that have a long time [been] and still are, continued in this church, partly by 
your change of opinion and practice and several times breaking promises and 
covenants or agreements with the church, and other things contained in the 
complaint, therefore we cannot but judge you worthy of blame, and do hereby 
blame you, and for the restoring of peace to the church we are enforced, though 
with great grief of heart, to suspend you from acting any thing that dotli apper- 
tain to your office, in admiuistring seals and sacraments, or matters of govern- 
ment as an othcer, until you have given the church satisfaction therewith. We 
do desire and admonish you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ speedily to 
endeavour that God may have his glory by it and the hearts of your grieved 
brethren in the church may be comforted and in the mean time as a gifted 
brother you may preach for the edification of the church if you please. Your 
loA'ing but affiicfed brethren of the church of Newbury. Signed by us in 
behalf of the church. 

Richard Dummf.r. 

'March si.vteenth, 1670. Richard Thorla.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 83 

' This was brought to Mr. Parker by Archelaus Woodman, William Titcomb, 
Richard Bartlet and Samuel Plumer, and Samuel Plumer read it.' 
Witnesses. 
Richard Knight. Anthony Somerby. 
Nicholas Noyes. Samuel Lowle. 

' After sunset William Titcomb, Stephen Titcomb, Stephen Greenleaf, Rich- 
ard Bartlet and Caleb Moody came with a message to Mr. Parker and told him 
they were sent from the church to give him notice that the church had chosen 
two ruling elders, namely, Mr. Dummer and Mr. Woodman, and they were to 
send to the two neighbouring churches to join with them to ordain them upon 
this day sevennight. Witnesses to the message of the church, captain Gerrish, 
Richard Knight, Nicholcis Noyes, John Knight, senior, iVIr. Woodbridge and 
Anthony Somerby.' 

' We whose names are here underwritten do consent to the writing, which do 
declare an act of the church laying Mr. Parker under blame, and suspending 
him from all official acts in the church. Dated si.\teenth of March, 1670. 

Mr. Richard Dummer. John Bailey. 

Mr. Edward Woodman. Job Pilsbusy. 

Archelaus Woodman. Steve.n Swett. 

William Moody. Benjamin Rolf. 

William Ilsley. John Wells. 

Francis Plumer. Nicholas Batt. 

William Titcomb. Abraham Toppan. 

John Emery, senior. Anthony Mors, senior. 

John Emery, junior. William Sawyer. 

Richard Thorla. Edward Woodman, junior. 

John Merrill. William Pilsbury. 

Francis Thorla. Caleb Moody. 

Edmund Moores. John Poore, senior. 

Stephen Greenleaf. John Poore, junior. 

Thomas Browne. John Webster. 

Abraham Merrill. Robert Coker. 

Benjamin Lo'wle. John Bartlet, senior. 

Richard Bartlet. John Bartlet, junior. 

Samuel Plumer. Edward Richardson. 

Joseph Plumer. James Oedway. 
Thomas Hale, junior. 41.' 

Rlr. Parker then sent the following letter to Mr. Woodman and 
liis company. 

'March IGth, 1670. Having so frequently and seriously testifyed against 
your irregular actings (determined to be such by the council) it cannot be 
expected that I should concur with you to promote any disorder and consent to 
the erecting of any new form of government contrary to the received profession 
and constant practice of the churches here amongst us. 

Your carriages have been such in these transactings, as have reflected great in- 
famy and reproach on me. I cannot consent to agree vs-ith you to promote you in 
your way, till by some publick audience I shall have vindicated myself from any 
unjust aspersion you have cast upon me. My compliance with you may by others 
be interpreted a judging of myself guilty, and that therefore I am willing by com- 
position to make up my own errors and miscarriages. Four of the brethren have 
been publickly complained of and brought before the church to answer for their 
publick offences, their answer through your meanes and their open refusal hath 
been interrupted. I shall not willingly consent to any motions from you that 
may hinder their just conviction, nor do I think that any of your designes are 
to be attended to till this be duly examined and judged. Once more I earnestly 
desire you to consider yourselves, and not go on in such irreajular courses, which 
though you seem to justify yourselves in, yet assuredly will prove evil in the 
end. Do not thinke it a light matter to break the unity and peace of the church, 



y4 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

hinder the edification nf tlie cliuich, cast contempt on the ministry, grieve your 
pastor and bretliicn, give ollence to otlier churches, and bring up an evil report 
and cast reproacli upon the government of the churches here, and once more I 
entreat you to thinli of some way of reconciling our difierences, which we think 
will only be by consenting with us to call a regular council, resolving to submit 
to their advice. If we cannot prevail with you by this motion, we shall be forced 
to consider what courses shall be taken to defend ourselves, and blame us not 
ior using any lawful meanes whereby we redress your sin and our distractions. 

Thomas Paricek. 

' The preceding paper Mr. Parker sent to Mr. Woodman and his company by 
•seven of the brethren, who when they had read it to them were desired to ab- 
sent themselves from them, and towards nigiit they sent the ensuing paper,' 
namely. 

' Reverend sir, 

' Mr. Tliomas Parker, 

' Hearing a bniite about ye towne of an intention of soniR 
of your party to complain at Ipswich cou't of .several brethren of their personal 
and common weakness, we thought good to put you in minde how far it is from 
the rule of chiistian love so to practice one against another before court and 
county, which might be healed at home with a word of reproof from one brother 
to another according to the mind of God, which saith, thou shalt not hate thy 
brother in thy heart, neither shalt thou sutler sin upon him. We would desire 
you to consider that yoiu'selves are men of inlirmity as well as we are, aird in case 
your practice in this kind should provoke lis to do the like, what appearance of 
revengeful doings would there be in the face of the country, and no end could 
appear but to vent corruption towartls one another, and nothing attained thereby 
of that concernment, to which we pretend ourselves conscientiously engaged, 
but to vent our stomachs one at another to the g»eat dishonor of God, reproach 
of religion, and to put advantage irrto the hands of wicked men to speak re- 
proachfully of religion in general. More rather we desire that we may be of 
one mind so far as to cover the shame of each other, when no good end can be 
obtained in opening of the same, and commit our case as it is conscientious to 
us to the determination of the general court, to which we must sit down, either 
active or passive, without which we see no hope of issue, and for the avoiding 
of ofl'ence, what may be, we will state our complaint at home, and you shall 
have a copy of it in case you will agree there to answer to it which will bee 
the most likely way to issue our endless and boundless confusions, that we 
do know of.' 

Edward Woodman 
In the name of the church.' 

' Received the above the twenty-third of March 1670. read by Samuel Plumcr, 
ferryman, and brought by John Webster.' 

The following by Mr. Park it and his friends needs no expktnation. 

'March I9th, 1670. It is too wofully known what great and how many conten- 
tions have troubled this church for sundry years, what means have been used 
fiom time to time for recoiuuling of them. We have the testimony of a council 
of nine churches concurring with us that Mr. Woodman and those that have ad- 
hered to him liave been the causes of a disturbance. Wlrat patience have 
been used towards them, yet what opposition have been made by them, how irrev- 
erently they have canied themselves in presence of God in sundry church meet- 
ings, what impediments tlu'y have cast in our way, wlierebv church admini.-'- 
trations have not only wanted their solenirntv, but also have been hindred so as 
that just discipline could not be executed. These things are all pnblicklv known. 
Jiut especially their actings on the Lord's day January twenty-ninth, 1670, wliich 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 85 

have since bin in several meetinss contimiod bv tliem. We have often mindej 
them and earnestly desired that they would consent with us to call a council as 
an ordinance of God, commonly practised by the churches of this country as a 
hopeful meanes of a reconciliation, which motion of ours hath been as often by 
them refused as by us proposed. In conclusion they have so far proceeded in 
their irregularities and miscarriages as that INIarch sixteenth they have sent a 
writing to Mr. Parker their pastor whereby they do signify that they do suspend 
him from acting any duty of his ollice. They have chosen two ruling elders 
imposing them on the pastor and the church contrary to their consent, whereby 
they woidd not only deprive this church of the holy ordinances, wliich Christ 
hath given them, but have hereby cut themselves olf from the communion of 
the church. 

' In consideration of which premises (to mention no more) we the pastor and 
brethren of the church of Newbury, in the name and fear of the Lord Jesus 
Chiist in way of defence of his poor flock here that they may not be left as 
sheep without a shepherd, and in vindicating the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ 
and his ordinances, not knowing any other regular way left according to the rule 
of the scripture, than to withdraw from them, who walk inordinately and cause 
division ; we do hereby declare that for the tuture we do renounce communion 
with all those brethren that have so deeply violated the communion of Christ's 
church, nor shall we accept them as regular members of the church of Christ 
among us till God shall give them a mind to see and heart to acknowledge and 
confess their great otfenceSj which we earnestly desire of him to grant through 
Jesus Christ. 

' At a church meeting March twenty-second 1670. 

' Agreed that this paper should be annexed to the vote that was passed the 
Lord's day March nineteenth 1670 that those brethren that have acted in the 
paper sent the sixteenth of March 1670 to the pastor, wherein they suspend the 
pastor from his ollice, we do renounce communion with them in the communion 
of the Lord's supper and in the administration of discipline until they give us 
satisfaction.' 

Thomas Parker. 

The next day, Marcli twenty-third, ]Mr. Parker and some Ijrethrcii 
witli him, sent the following papcx to IVL:. Woodman's parly. 

' Tliat there may be nothing wanting in us to evidence that love and respect 
unto you, which brethren ought to have one towards another, and the duty we 
owe to God binds us to, understanding by your messengers that you intend to 
ordain two roling elders, we cannot but once more motion to you, that though 
you little regard the offence and giief of your pastor, brethren and the churches 
of God abroad, which we suppose you ought to do, and if you have any bowels 
of love left, we hope you may do, yet we earnestly intreat you not to despise 
the Lord Jesus Christ b}- making his ordinances contemptible. Do you not 
know how distasteful it will be to him to profane his holy things 1 Do you think 
he will own them for his ordinances, which you make use of to advance your 
owne humours and divisions ? Do not despise the civil authority above us, we 
have cause abundantly to thank God that they will countenance and protect us 
in the enjoying what Christ allows us, but you know that the rale of the scrip- 
tures and theirs concurring with it is that elders should be blameless, nor do 
they allow any to be ordained that are scandalous, and you know that Mr. 
Woodman, one of them that you have chosen stands publickly charged with 
several scandals, nor hath he to this day endeavoured to satisfy his bretln'en. If 
you should still persist and go on after this our advice, which in love and affec- 
tion we give unto you, we hope we have discharged our duty and leave you to 
his judgment, that will in his time judge every thing in tiiith. In the mean 
while this shall stand as an evidence for us that we have done our endeavour to 
prevent your sinne.' 

TiroMAS Parker. 



86 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

' Namns of thosp, who adhorcd to Mr. Parker and did not act in Mr. Parker's 
sentence.' 

RrcHARD Dole. James Kent. 

John Kent. Richard Kent. 

TnoMA.s Hale, senior. Richard Knight. 

John Knight, senior. John Kelly. 

James Jackman. Robert LoNCf. 

Daniel Pierce, junior. He.nry Short, senior. 

Nicholas Noyes. Samuel Moody. 

Thomas Turvill. Henry Jaques. 

Captain William Gerrisii. Robert Adams. 

Tristram Coffin. Joseph Muzzey. 

Nathaniel Clark. William Chandler. 

Captain Paul White. Mr. Richard Lowle. 

William Mokse. Anthony Somerey. 

Jonathan Mobse. Abiel Somerby. 

Abel Huse. Mr. Henry Sewall. 

John Davis. George Little. 
Thirty-two regular members. 

Mr. Joseph Hills. Mr. John Woodbridge. 

Daniel Pierce, senior. Richard Pettingell. 

James Smith. John S.mith. 

Though no members.' 

On the ninctcenlh of April, the cx-partc council, which had assem- 
bled November fifth, 1669, met again at Newbury. The following 
is ' a copy of the request presented by Mr. Woodman and the 
brethren with him to the council.' 

'The major part of the brethren of this conscregation doth in all humble wise 
desire this honored and reverend assembly to take into their serious considera- 
tion our sad and distracted condition, who have spent Iwenty-five years and 
more in uncomfortable and unprolilable contention and division, whereby (iod 
hath been much dishonored, reliirion much disadvantaijed, our souls much 
impoverished and our credit as a church much impaired, defamed throughout 
the country for an unquiet people and unreconcilable by the long continuance 
of our ditference and dissension, and now of late the cry hereof hath been 
more loud in the ears of the churches than in former times, which produced 
this elTect. The messengers of nine churches are come to see whether things 
are amongst us according to the cry that their ears are filled withal, whom we 
do heartily wish that God would make instruments for the settlement of peace 
and truth amongst us, and so throw down the strong hold that Satan has 
erected against us for the obtaining of which end our impartial request to this 
reverend assembly is that the ground and causes of our long dissensions may 
be thoroughly inquired into. Among physicians it is a maxim that when it is 
known what the disease is and where it is settled, it is half cured. Our earnest 
desire is that you would grant us three things. First, that you would cancel any 
hand writing signed by yourselves against us, our case not being heard. 
Second, that you will be pleased to hear our case and give us your advice, not 
as a council, (we having had no hand in your call, but in an orderly way the 
hands of two thirds of the church lifted up against it) but as honored and 
reverend brethren, giving your advice tending our sad and solemn estate. 

'Third, that you will lay aside all prejudice against us, which you may 
receive by so many private informations and instigations against us and now 
begin to hear what both parties can say for themselves as to the case in hand, 
as if you had heard nothing concerning the same. 

' It is no small trouble upon our spirits that we should be so ill resented in 
the hearts, and so ill spoken of amongst many godly and reverend persons (as 
we conceive) without any just cause at all as unto man, especially when we 
consider the pretended cause, which is some grand defect in matter of religion 
as a people declined and fallen from something therein, which maketh our 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 87 

persons offensive and out of favour with many. If there be any tiling of that 
nature, of which we are guihy, it must be in matter of faith or in church oriler. 
As for matters of faith, we know not wherein we dilfer from the godly in 
general what order soever they are under. 

' As concerning church order or discipline we know not what may be against 
us, for we wholly own that, which the New Testament doth clearly hold forth 
as the mind of Christ to his church, that which the general court hath estab- 
lished for the synod book, we hold the substance of it. We own Mr. Hooker's 
Polity, Mr. Mather's catechisme, Mr. Cotton's Keys, for the substance of it. 
That, which the churches have practised in general with a joint consent as far 
as we know. Yea that, which hath been New England's glory, in which God 
hath come nearer to them than to any other people. And the way, in which 
the Old and New Testament do prove to be the instituted way of God's 
appointment for his churches to walk in. But indeed we have cause to doubt 
that the oH'ence here against us here at home is because we abide constant to 
those principles and will not turn presbyterians. As for our controversy it is 
whether God hath placed the power in the elder, or in the whole church, to 
judge between truth and error, right and wrong, brother and brother, and all 
things of church concernment. It is denied that the fraternity have any thing 
to do with it, but the mini-ster only, and if his determination be not approved of, 
the persons aggrieved may appeal to all the ministers in the country. And it 
is come to that passe that such as do not consent hereto are Corathites, and like 
the sons of Eli, that make the holy things of God to be despised, and upon this 
ground is our division and contention. Principles preached and endeavoured 
to be practised, one contrary to another, have made two sorts of professions, 
contrary one to another, whereby we ditler almost in all things in church and 
town affairs. And )'et we that to this day have stood unmoveable to those 
principles proved by the scriptures in books of controversy, in catechisms by 
the synod, by the ecclesiastical laws confiimed, and approved of by the 
practice of all churches in general, are tost up and down by the mouths of 
some unworthy persons as decliners to leveUsm, to Morellianism and are a 
people that nothing will satisfy. 

' Thus having opened to this honored and reverend assembly in general the 
state and condition of this poore distracted congregation, our earnest desire is 
that you will be pleased to apply your wisdom to the uttermost for our healing, 
and not conceit that a slight plaster will heal u.s, for o\ir wound is festered, our 
disease is rooted. God did once complain that the wound of the daughter of 
his people was healed slightly, and so it brake out again. Consider we beseech 
you that to heal breaches and repair desolations in churches is not a work of an 
inferior nature, for if peacemakers shall be called the children of God, it doth 
greatly concern you to improve the opportunity God hath put in your hands to 
make peace and truth dwell together in this poor distracted congregation. The 
which that you may do, the God of peace guide both your hearts and lips to 
create peace for us, so shall we record in our hearts and acknowledge with our 
lips to the praise of God that under himself he hath delighted to make you 
instruments of our peace and repairers of the breach in this congregation. 

' These things we desire of the honored and reverend assembly, not as of a 
council, but as above premised, as honored friends and brethren.' 

(Before the council returned their answer, the following script 
was sent in, namely : ) 

' Honored and reverend friends, this is as an addition to our first request, that 
in case you will not be pleased to cancel what you have signed against us, that 
you give us liberty to speak to that case before any other thing be brought in 
agitation.' 

'the answer from the council.' 

' To Mr. Woodman and the brethren with him. 

' Though we do, and cannot but, assert ourselves as a council, 
consisting of elders and messengers of churches, yet for the present waving 



88 , HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

that consIJeration, havina; weighed your affectionate motion, we sliall be ready 
to hear your case, provided that you will engage to submit actively or passively 
to such advice as we shall commend unto ) cm therein according to the word of 
God. Thomas Cobbet 

Li the name and with the consent of the elders and 
messengers of the churches assembled.' 

ANSWER. 

' We thankfully acknowledge your condescending to hear our case, and do 
seriously profess that our aim and end is to hear the advice of yourselves 
therein in order unto practice and do solemnly engage to the utmost of our 
ability to receive with all readiness, and attend with all diligence whatsoever 
scripture ligld you may impart unto us according to the best of our understand- 
ing and consciences. 

Edward Woodman, 
William Titcomb, 
Aechelaus Woodman, 

April nineteenth, 1670. Caleb Moody, 

In tlie name of the rest. 

' On the nineteenth day in the aftemoon ]\Ir. Parker and the brethren with 
him their grievances were read in publick. 

' On the twentieth day Mr. Woodman's twentj'-six grievances were read. 

' On the twenty-first day another grievance was sent in by Mr. Woodman's 
partie, signed by William Titcomb and Caleb Moody in the name of the rest.' 

' On the twenty-second of April 1670 the council came to the following- 
result.' 

'covenant.' 

' We whose names are nndenvritten do hereby testify and declare tliat we do 
fully consent and agree unto the covenant and agreement conti'acted and made 
betwixt Mr. Parker, our reverend pastor, and ]\lr. Woodman and the brethren 
that are with him, that is to say that the sviiod book called the platform of 
discipline with the other four articles shall be our rule in the church of 
Newbury for our practice in all administrations, because we take it to be an 
explanation of tlie scriptures, and a rule agreed upon as a means to avoid all 
future divisions and contentions, we mean the agreement made before and by 
the help of the messengers of nine churches, contained under live heads, signed 
under the hand of the moderator and scribe of the assembly, in witness where- 
unto and in witness whereof we the assembly set our hands.' 

'Articles of accommodation betwixt Mr. Parker of Newbury, Mr. Woodman 
and the brethren with liim mutually agreed upon before the council at New- 
bury April twenty-.second, 1670. 

' First, that the platform of discipline, established by the general court, prac- 
tised by the churches of New England, shall be the ride or standard of the 
congregational way according to which the church of Newbury do re.solve both 
pastor and brethren to act in all church administrations. 

' Second, that all matters of controversy being considerable and of moment, 
not issued before the pastor or elders to mutual satisfaction of parties concerned, 
shall be brought to the chnrch according to the said platfonn.' 

' Third, that they, who are propounded for admis.sion into the church shall 
.stand some considerable lime, at least a fortnigiit. and public warning given on 
the Lord's day, when they are to be admitted. 

' Fourth, that no diflerence shall be made in admission of members into the 
church upon account of their dillerence of judgment as to the congregational 
way pro or con, the persons being orthodox and ol good conversation. 

' Fifth, that, when the providence of God .shall give an opportunity of regular 
call of any other olhcer, it shall be attended by the church according to what 
is laid down in the said platfonn of discipline, chapter the eighth. 

Thomas Cobbet, Moderator. 
Signed by Mr. WooD.MAN, ) Antii'as Newman, Scribe. 

Mr. DuMMEU and 38 others, j 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 89 

This second attempt of the council, to reconcile the conflicting 
opinions, and hurmonize the discordant feelings, of both parlies, 
was of no avail. The trnce was of short duration. Before the 
close of the year, the ' articles of accommodation ' appear to have 
been entirely forgotten, and the storrn, which had apparently sub- 
sided, again raged more fiercely than ever; and it was not until the 
lapse of several years that peace was finally restored. The 'distrac- 
tions in the military company' still contiiimd. 

' On May eleventh, the court, having left it to the care of the 
major general to make temporary provision for military officers at 
Newbury, who did appoint Ajchelaus Woodman lieutenant, and 
Stephen Greenleaf ensign, confirms their a])pointment.' Both of 
these officers were of Mr. Woodman's party. 

On March seventh, ' Peter Cheney proposed to the town for half 
an acre of land on or about the little hill this side the mill, to build 
a wind mill upon to grind corn for the town, when the water mill 
fails.' This was granted by the town, 'upon condition that he do 
build a good mill to answer the end proposed for and so long as the 
mill is made and maintained for the said service and no longer.' 

This mill stood on the ' little hill,' near the mill bridge, or ' four 
rock,' as it is sometimes called, and remained there till Mr. Cheney 
removed to Byfield, in the year 1687. 

May 2lst. ' It was voted that the order in the town book, that 
gives Mr. Woodbridge sixty pounds a year for his preaching is 
made void.' * 

September 19///. ' It was voted that the selectmen shall take care 
that **4^**4^ ^**### fence in no more [land] than his due.' 4f= 

' The town granted to William Titcomb and Amos Stickney the 
little pine swamp to be their jjropriety, with skirls of the common, 
provided they make and maintain a sufficient fence about the hole 
for the safety of the cattle from time to time.' * 

The ' pine swamp ' mentioned above, is the tract of land on the 
south side of Oak-hill cemetery, and was, it appears, surrounded by 
the common. The town also voted, 'that ihe selectmen should 
order Thomas Turvill to his kinsman's, also to be helpful to the 
poore.' * 

This is the first intimation, excejjt the case of John Eels, the 
bee-hive maker, that the town had any occasion to make pro- 
vision for the poor. Turvill went to reside with his 'kinsman,' 
Henry Short, in whose old account book I find the following 
inventory. It was taken May twenty-second, 1G73, \\ hen he had 
made an agreement with the town, to keep Thomas Turvill for 
three shillings per week. 

'The following is an account of what clothes he had and their value, 
appraised by three of the neighbours. 

* Town record?. 

12 



£1 
15 

1 




6 


4 





£2 6s. 


6rf. 


£2 12s. 


5d.' 



90 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

'May 2-2(1, 1673. 
An old worne out coat and briches with an old lining, £0 6s. Or/. 

A thread bare, iho indifierent close coat and doublet with an old 

wast coat, 
Two shirts and a band lis., a pair of shoes, 4s., 
An old greasy halt, 6(/., a pair of stockings, Is., 
An old doublet, an old wast cote and a pair of old sheep skin 

briches, 

In 1675 his clothes were appraised again by three neighbours and 
the amount was 

' There was a great drought this summer.' * 



1671. 

At the April term of the court at Ipswich, the following complaint 
was entered. It needs no explanation, as it is svifficiently clear and 
explicit. 

' To the honored court at Ipswich. 

' Having tried all private means and publick ecclesiastical by councils accord- 
ing as we were directed by our honoreil magistrates, all which since they prove 
unsuccessful, nor can we see any hope of silencing, much less of curing, our 
difficulties and fearing lest such miscarriages may have an influence, not only to 
breed public disturbance in other chinches, some sparks whereof already ap- 
pear, but may break forth into open factions and mutinies, having no other rem- 
edy we hnmbly conceive it our duty, as being necessitated to it, to present our 
case to civd authority intreating them at least to redress such miscarriages as 
are contrary to the known laws of the country, and so, contrary to the public 
peace. Title ecclesiastical section fourteen is forbidden contemptuous behav- 
iour toward the word of God preached, or the messengers of the same, or cast- 
ing any reproach on their doctrine and persons, to the dishonour ot our Lord 
Jesus, disparagement of his holy ordinances, and making God's ways contemp- 
tible and ridiculous, as sect, chapter heresies n. seven. Every person, that 
shall revile the person or office of magistrates, or ministers, such person, or per- 
sons shall be severely whipt or pay the fine of five pounds. Likewi.se it is pro- 
vided, chapter first, that no man's honour or good name shall be stained. 

' First, as otienders :igainst these laws we humbly present to this honored court, 
whether all those, that call themselves the church and brethren of the church 
of Newbury, who have iriegidarly convened, have pnblickly read and debated 
certain articles presented to them by Mr. Edward Woodman against our pastor, 
Mr. I-'arker (whose inollensiveness is generally known) tending to his great re- 
proach and infamy, and have as appears by their publick writing judged and 
determined the said Mr. Parker to be the cause of their divisions and troubles 
to have broken several covenants and agreements with the chui-ch (as may more 
fully appear by the articles exhibited by the said ISIr. Woodman against him) 
and therefore do publickly blame him, yea so deeply that they take upon them 
to suspend him from his ofllce, which articles upon due examination, we doubt 
not but will appear vanities, yet their publick actings being bruited over the 
country must need tend to the great reproach of Mr. Parker when they shall 
hear so many articles and such a censure, and in particular we present to you 
Mr. Woodman, the plaintilf, and Mr. Richard Dummer, whom they termed the 
jiresident, Archelaus Woodman, and William Titcond), moderators, and Samuel 
Plumer and Richard Bartlet, messengers, who are able to inform of the rest. 

* Roxbury church records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 91 

' Second, whether Mr. Edward Woodman, who was fonnerly convicted of liis 
scandalous reviling Mr. Parker, besides frequent contemptible speeches and 
threatenings of him be not fallen into the same oll'ence by publickly aflirming 
that Mr. Parker hath broken covenant three times already, and no covenant will 
stand before him. Likewise in the same law underneath whosoever shall go 
about to destroy or disturb the order or peace of the churches established in this 
jurisdiction on groundless conceits and so forth. Now as contrary to this, 

' First, whether it be not factiou.s for a part of the church without the knowl- 
edge and privity of the pastor and brethren to meet together and carry on church 
afl'airs in a way of complaint against their pastor, and whether this may not be 
accounted an act of conspiracy against their pastor and the church, yet this has 
been done by them at Stephen Greenleaf 's house, where were present Mr. 
Woodman, Mr. Dummer and many ethers as we are informed. 

' Second, whether it be not a disturbance to the order of the churches for Mr. 
Woodman at most but a deacon, on a Lord's day immediately after the morning 
exercise (though he was desired by the pastor to forbear, and not profane the 
sabbath day by open disturbance and so forbad him to proceed) to desire the 
church to stay ; and when Mr. Parker told him he had broken the agreement, 
Mr. W^oodman replied to him, I speak not to you, but to the church, for I have 
divers complaints against you. and when Mr. Parker was gone, to tell them that 
he had several complaints against Mr. Parker, and desired them to appoint a 
church meeting to hear them (though Mr. Parker immediately before had warned 
a church meeting) many of them consented to it, and so upward of thirty voted it. 

' Third, whether it be not a like breach of the public order and peace of the 
churches for the said persons solemnly to cause the bell to be rung and repair 
unto, and observe, such an irregular meeting, to term theni-;elves the church 
(though not the major part of the church) and in the name of the church to send 
for the pastor to answer the charges laid against him by iNlr. Woodman. And 
here particularly ISIr. Dummer, Arehelaus Woodman and William Titcomb 
were moderators, the rest witnesses and judges. 

' Fourth, whether it be not a like breach of the order and peace of the churches 
when anv of the members being publickly warned by the pastor and the per- 
sons duly summoned, the said persons shall publickly contest against their pas- 
tor, and will not agree so much as to have iheir charges read, unless their pastor 
will first put it to vote whether it were the mind of the church that it should be 
read, and whether after such debate taken, the said charges shall begin to be 
read there is an uproar and hubbub raised that the church might not hear what 
was read, and when they are read, they being particularly read and desired to 
answer, thev sliall direcily refu.se to do, yet guilty of such things are Mr. Wood- 
man, Arehelaus Woodman. William Titcomb. William Pilsbury. 

' Fifth, whether Mr. Richard Dummer, and Richard Thorla signing a paper 
in behalf of the church, which contained (in their apprehension) an act for the 
suspension of the pastor from his ollice, and thereby what in them is, depriving 
the whole church of the ordinances of Christ, which he hath given to his church, 
and this without the advice and direction of any other church, are not guilty as 
leaders in the disturbance of the church but also of falsehood, when it is not 
the church, nor the major part of the church acting in any lawful meeting, that 
gives them authority so to do, and whether Arehelaus Woodman, William Tit- 
comb, Richard Barflet and Samuel Plumer in bringing and delivering if, be not 
alike guilty of promoting the disturbance of the church. 

' Sixth, whether it be not a disturbance of the publick peace and order in an 
organic church for private members contrary to the mind and privity of their 
pastor and brethren, to elect ruling elders, imposing them on the pastor and 
brethren without their consent. Mr. Woodman one of them being known to be 
scandalous in his conversation, and tliis not by the major part of the brethren 
either, yet this, William Titcomb, Richard Bartlet, Stephen Greenleaf, and Ca- 
leb Moody brought as a message to Mr. Parker from them, whom they called 
the church, and they are able to give an accouitt who they were that set them 
to work. 

' Seventh, lastly whether in these things (to omit many others that may be 
mentioned) RL-. Woodman and those who adhere to him, be not guilty as much 



92 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

as in them lies, of erectinj; a new form of government in the church with a 
great deal of strife and contention, contrary to the platform of discipline allowed 
by the general court and the received practice of all the congregational churches 
in this country, and whether this be not to the breach of the peace both civil 
and ecclesiastical (n, 11.) Civil authority here established hath power and 
liberty to see the peace, ordinances and rules of Christ to be observed in every 
church according to his word ; and our honored magistrates in their letters direct- 
ed to us, do account themselves bound by all due means to countenance and 
protect the observers of the congregational government. We present then these 
things to your wisdoms. At our request you would be pleased to encourage 
those who desire to be faithful to God and lovers of truth and peace. 

Presented by us, Richard Kent, 

D.iNiEL Pierce, senior.' 

To the preceding communication the following reply was made. 

'To the honored court at Ipswich April eighteenth, 1671. 
' Concerning the seven queries put to the consideration of this court, they do 
involve so many within them that they are from us uncapable of an answer, 
neither do we know what use the court will make of them against us, seeing 
they come in as queries and not as charges. We ourselves could trouble the 
court with many queries, but at this time we shall forbear. In brief we would 
humbly desire you to consider that most if not all, the particulars mentioned, are 
such, as will prove good or evil, as we shall appear to be a church regularly 
acting or not, for if we be a church of Christ according to order then it is lawful 
for a brother to complain to the church against any brother that doth oll'end. 
Then secondly it is lawful for the church to hear and judge. Thirdly, then it 
is lawful for two brethren also to sign an act of the church as witnesses. 
Fourth, then it is lawful for them to send messengers to Mr. Parker, or whom it 
may concerne. Fifth, then it is lawful for them to meet as a cliurch together. 
Sixth, then it is lawful for them to elect a ruling elder or elders. But we hope 
your honored court will convict us that we have broken some standing law or 
laws, that were made by the general court before they blame us, for we do 
not account ourselves well dealt withal by the authors of those queries and 
declaration, whom we leave to the Lord. 

' Lastly we do profess ourselves to be servants of God and faithful subjects 
to the commonwealth, lovers of magistrates and ministers, ami all the churches 
and people of the Lord, and do not willingly err from any rule of God, nor of 
the commonwealth, but we trust such, as shall be found faithful. 

' We do therefore desire this court to consider wdiether it be not against all 
order, law or custom that complaint should be brought to a court against breth- 
ren, which from conscience of the rule of Christ do complain to a church 
against an otlending brother, merely because they have complained, when the 
church hath heard the complaint and acquit the complainer, by owning the 
complaint to be duly proved, and sentenced the person complained against. So 
leaving what have been said to your wisdoms to be considered, and yourselves 
to the God of all wisdom to be directed, with our hearty prayers for you, we 
rest in the Lord to be commanded. 

William Titcomb. 

Caleb Moody. 

Samuel Plumer. 

Stephen Grenlefe. 

Richard Bartlet.' 

' A declaration of the pastor, and several brethren of the church of Newbury 
presented to this court at Ipswich.' 

' The manifold contentions, that have been among us for sundry years have 
been matter of continual grief, and ouuht to be of continual humiliation, that 
such things should arise among a people, whose beauty consists in their union 
to Christ and unity one with another. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 93 

' To omit all former transactions (which we cannot reflect upon but with 
grief) so high were the opposites that according to the direction of our honored 
magistrates, who pitied our distractions, we were forced to desiring help of our 
neighbouring elders, and churches, who at a council convened November third 
1669, whom our brethren would by no means own, or subject unto as a council, 
though there was as much reason to respect them and accept their advice as 
most in the country. 

'The council hereupon was forced to proceed according to the allegations and 
proofs presented to them, whereby they found and judged the actings of our 
brethren to be very irregular, contrary to the peace and unity, which ought to 
be in the church, tending to confusion, and that which casts reproach on the 
order of the congregational churches among us, and therefore were offensive, and 
if they should proceed after such testimony of theirs ao-ainst their ways it would 
be much more offensive, suHrciently evidencing to them that there was just 
cause of complaint against them, as more fully may appear by their testimony 
left in writing, which was publickly read the next Lord's day after their 
departure. 

' The council having adjourned till the nineteenth of April following, we en- 
deavoured in the mean time to see what composition we could bring our breth- 
ren to, and accordingly by publick and private agitations we laboured to reduce 
our brethren to a right and sober mind, that our contentions might cease, and 
they might be brought to a right understanding of the congresational way as it 
was commonly practised by the churches according to the direction of the 
council, which, if our brethren had consented to, there might have been hopes 
to have proceeded peaceably, but instead of any composition with us there ap- 
pears farther ground of distraction, as may be seen by their paper disorderly 
published in the congregation, the copy whereof stands in record in the court. 

' The council returning according to their adjournment found as little accept- 
ance by our brethren as formerly, who though they made their appearance, yet 
it was with such a spirit and carnage, as did ill befit them before such a rever- 
end assembly, nor would they comply to do any thing till the council agreeing 
to hear them as friends and not as a council instead of answering the allegations 
first or last objected against them (which in reason they ought to have done if 
they could have cleared themselves) they brought in such exceptions as they 
could against Mr. Parker their pastor, all which we fully heard and answered, 
nor was there any thing (of twenty-five articles) of moment alleged or proved 
against Mr. Parker, their pastor, who was sufficiently vindicated by the council, 
but sulficient on this point to show what spirit they were of 

' On the last day of their setting, about sunset Mr. Woodman with several 
others with him came into the council, speaking to this purpose (Mr. W. affirm- 
ing that he was appointed to speak in the name of the brethren, and called for 
witness to attest it) that now they were convinced by the word of God that they 
had acted irregularly and came there to acknowledge their offences, which 
accordingly they did to the great satisfaction of the hearers, sundry of them 
speaking to the same purpose that they had done ill. The council seeing such 
a compliance which in all the former part they saw so little ground to expect, 
readily embraced the appearance of such a temper, and more willing to bring 
things to a full agreement, they left off what they intended as a council and 
fell upon the consideration of some articles of accommodation whereby both 
parties for the future might act peaceably, which articles were agreed unto by 
Mr. Woodman and many of his party there present who also promised their 
endeavours to bring the rest to a compliance with them. 

' Mr. Woodman notwithstanding such an appearance of a cordial agreement, 
yet refuses the communion of the church from that day, and within a little 
while finds occasion to make as much disturbance as ever. We could scarcely 
have any publick occasions (as for discipline of members and so forth) but there 
was some publick opposition from some or another, and nothing could be 
managed with peace, though (as we suppose) there was never any just cause 
of disturbance. 

' Sundry private agitations there were, wherein propositions were made by them 
tending to a farther ground of difference than any settlement. Some things [were 



94 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

so stated] that Mr. Parker professed he could not in conscience a^ree to them, 
yet Mr. Woodman threatened him that he would bring him before authority, 
before the highest judicature of the country, and again revive the twenty-five 
articles, which were brought before the council, which they had the hearing of 
and acquitted Mr. Parker. 

' After many debates, and little likelihood and appearance of agreement, 
there still continuing great murmurings and private surmises cast up and down 
to Mr. Parker's prejudice through false suggestions, Mr. Parker to testify what 
things he might, warns a publick church meeting, which convened December 
eighth, when by reason of the tumultuous carriage of things there was little 
likelihood of bringing any thing lo a fair issue. Omittuig many unworthy and 
disorderly carriages e.vceeding unsuitable lo the solemnity that ought to be in 
God's presence, towards the end of the meeting Mr. Woodman was charged by 
one of the brethren for publick ofiences, one in almost totally absenting himself 
from the publick woisliip on the Lord's days, though it was known sutiiciently that 
he was able enough to attend on other occasions, therefore abstaining from the 
communion of the church. He instead of answering for these offences pub- 
lickly professed he is offended with Mr. Parker for some miscarriages, and 
desires the church to appoint a meeting to hear him. Mr. Parker bids him 
produce his charges, and he was ready there to answer them before the church, 
but this Mr. Woodman refused to do. 

' Not long after he comes accompanied with two brethren, and tells Mr. 
Parker he conies with two others to deal with him according to the rule in order 
to bring him to the church, if he refused to hear him. 

' Mr. Parker replied to him that his accusations being only such points 
wherein they ditfered in their opinions it was not reasonable to think they were 
meet judges, or that he was likely to satisfy them. But if Mr. Woodman would 
choose three or four elders, whom he would, of the neighbouring churches, he 
was ready to answer before them whatsoever they could allege against him, and 
besides that himself standing charged with several scandals, he was not a meet 
person to come to deal with him in such a manner till he had answered for his 
own offences. Mr. Woodman professed he would never call in the help of any 
elders as long as lie lived, but if Mr. Parker refused to hear him he would bring 
it to the church in order to depose him, and then they would desire the advice 
of other churches what they were to do in point of farther censure, and this was 
the issue of that meeting. 

' Shortly after (under the notion of a fast, though no such things were 
observed) most of the opposite brethren convened, but (as we are informed) 
the substance of their aiiitation was how to prosecute their design against Mr. 
Parker, which was ordered to be done the next sabbath day, which Mr. Wood- 
man accordingly though irregularly set on foot. There they (though not the 
major part by several persons) voted a church meeting; though Mr. Parker just 
before warned a meeting for tlie whole church. Mr. Parker warned his at one 
of the clock in the afternoon, they anticipated him by designing theirs at eight 
o'clock ill the morning of the same day. Mr. Parker desiring to prevent their 
irregular motions, on the lecture day being Wednesday (the meeting being 
warned to be on the Moudav following) publickly appoints another meeting two 
days after namely, the Fridav before the meeting formerly warned, and withal 
order was taken that four of the brethren should have notice that they were then 
to appear to answer what should be alleged against them for the irregularities 
of the last sabbath and other things. The persons were Mr. Woodman, 
Archelaus Woodman William Titcomb and William Pilsbury. The church 
appeared at the time, and the persons warned, but instead of answering, they 
fell to contradicting their pastor, endeavouring what they could that their 
charges, which were in writing, might not be read or heard. But when the 
resolution was Ihev should be read, instead of hearkenintr to them, whereby 
they might understand what they were charged with, that they might give 
satisfaction they raised an liubhub, knocking, stamping, hemming, gaping, to 
drown the reading. Afterwards beiii^ demanded whether they would answer 
to their charges, thev all of them (uncivil Iv enouah) refused so to do. Mr. 
Parker finding little good to be done, but much dishonor to God, dissolved the 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 95 

meeting, and seeing all our endeavours were in vain, on the sabbath day follow- 
ing dissolved the meeting formerly warned also. Yet our brethren kept their 
motion, and though they fell short of the major part, yet in the name of the 
church they sent to Mr. Parker, desiring him to come to answer to the church, 
what Mr. Woodman had against him. Mr. Parker, te.?tifying their irregularities 
refuses to attend them. They in the meeting house having chosen their mod- 
erator and so forth, sit formally as a church. Here Mr. Woodman's complaints 
to the number of fifteen or si.vteen he e.vhibits and reads against Mr. Parker and 
also twenty-five more, which formerly he had presented to the council, who 
found little cause to blame Mr. Parker, but saw sutiiciently what temper they 
were of, to rake up what they could for thirty years, yet had not any thing of 
value to fasten on him. Some of the brethren there present undertook (though 
not by Mr. Parker's motion) if they might have liberty presently to answer them. 
A fair promise they had (hat they should have liberty, but could get no perform- 
ance of it either at that or the ne.xt meeting. 

' The first meeting then adjourned to a second, the second to a third and the 
third to a fourth. Mr. Parker and others fretjuently desired them that they 
would agree to call a lawful and regular council to help settle our distractions, 
but they resolving to go on in their own way refused all such motions. It is 
impossible to mention all particulars, nor is it to be thought how many dis- 
courses have been to bring them to a ri^ht understanding, and it hath been past 
our skill by any thing we could do (without injuring truth and conscience) to 
find any way to reclaim them. VVe have borne their contradictions with 
patience. Frequently, as we had opportunity we debated with them. The 
platform of discipline, which they agreed should be their rule, proves nothing 
to them, unless they may be the judges and interpreters of it. We supposed 
(unless they deluded the council) that they had ingenuously acknowledged 
their irregularities, yet are more deeply fallen into them than before. The 
testimony of a council of nine churches (which we called and maintained at 
our own charge, and which they contributed nothing to, but contempt and con- 
tradiction to linger out the time) is despised by them and counted as an empty 
paper. The received and approved practice of all the churches in the country 
is not regarded by them. So th;it we are at a stand and could not imagine what 
farther course to take, [with them] who will be content with nothing but their 
own will, to the subduing of all to their humours and the ruin of the church. 

" In the issue it comes to this, that their designs bring forth a monstrous birth. 
The members cut otf the head. Without the advice of any church or churches, 
without any shew of any just ground and reason (but what their own enraged 
fancies and violent passions suggest) they take upon them, (and this by a lesser 
part of the church present, and some of them dissenting, the brethren that were 
not of their persuasion, were desired to withdraw,) to depose the pastor, to choose 
two ruling elders, imperiously enough imposing them on their pastor and 
brethren, were as tit to be respected as others. Whereupon at last for our own 
defence, for upholding the ordinances of God among us. when we find they 
despise councils, will not subject themselves to church dealing, or by combina- 
tion will prevent it, and would rob us of our sacred enjoyments, prostituting all 
to their confusions, being enforced to it, we saw no remedy but according to the 
rule of the scripture to withdraw from them that cause divisions, and walk 
inordinately, as is more fully expressed in our paper, and publickly communi- 
cated to them when they were assembled together March twenty-third, 1671.' 

The above was written by John W^oodbridge. 

The next paper, is an answer to the foregoing, and is entitled a 
' defence of the persons accused.' 

' To the honored court now sitting at Ipswich we humbly present these lines 
in way of apoloary to declare the grounds of our late actings as a church to be 
regular, both by our ecclesiastical liberties, secondly by our late covenant and 
thirdly correspondent to scripture rule and example. 



96 HISTORY OF NEWBURT. 

' April eighteenth, 1671. 

' First, that a church hath Hberty to proceed against an elder, or elders, not 
only to an act of suspension, but also to expulsion upon due cause. It is with- 
out controversy and clear as in law book page twenty-five, section five, every 
church hath also free liberty of admission, recommendation, dismission, ex- 
pulsion or deposal, of their officers and members upon due cause with free ex- 
ercise of the discipline and censures of Christ according to the rules of the 
word. Second, by our late covenant contained under live articles. 

' The first is that the platform of discipline shall be a rule for practice in the 
church of Newbury in all our adnunistrations, which saith that it is a prerog-a- 
tive that Christ hath given to the brotherhood. Chapter ten, sections five, six, 
seven. Chapter five, section two. Cluxpter eight, section seven. 

' Second, where it is said chapter tenth, other churches directing thereunto 
where they may be had, we answer first, that advice is not laid down in the 
platform as of necessity to be a rule, but where as they may be had. Second, 
it relates not to the suspension of elders, but to the deposal of them. Third, we 
have earnestly called upon two churches to have their advice, but one of them 
refused to come, the other that did come refused to give their advice to the case 
we had in hand. Fourth, we then sent three questions to the church of Salis- 
bury for their resolution, but they gave us no answer. Then we were forced to 
take liberty as God hath given us to proceed ourselves as the rule of the word 
doth lead iis. ISIatthew 1.S: 17. Colossians 4: 17. Romans 16: 17. Platform 
chapter ten, sections five, six, seven. Chapter five, section two. Chapter eight, 
section seven. Law book page twenty-live, section five. 

' Third, where a church hath liberty not only to the suspending, but also to 
the expulsion and deposal, of their officers upon due cause, as is proved before, 
for the lesser is included in the greater, then also to appoint a church meeting 
to examine whether be due cau.se, although the elder offending doth not consent 
thereunto, for we humbly conceive that no offender is to be active in his own 
censure, but passive under which he is subject. The contrary seemeth to us to 
be contrary to law and reason. 

' Fourth, the church according to rule may deal with an officer, as is proved 
already, then a brother that is offended witli an olficer may deal with him ac- 
cording to rule as Matthew 16: 17. Platform chapter ten, section five, six, 
seven, chapter eight, section seven, wdiere it is said to be a power and preroga- 
tive given to a brother to deal with any brother, with whom he is offended, and 
in case he hear him not, to tell it to the church. 

' Fifth, if it be the duty of a brother offended after private means used, and he 
is not satisfied, to tell it to the church, then it is the duty of the church to hear 
that brother's com))laint, and get their j\uli;ment upon it in obedience to the 
rule of Christ Matthew 18 : 17. 1 Corinlhians, verse 4. 

' Sixth, if this brother offended in a lawful publick meeting upon the Lord's 
day. doth speak to the whole church to stay and hear him a few words of com- 
plaint again.st a brother, with whom he is offended, and some wilfully go away 
and do not their duty, but by neglect thereof lose the power and privilege of 
judg-ment in what was presented to the church, their refusing their duty is not 
an obstruction to the major part of the church, that doth stay to do their duty, as 
they are obliged by the rule Matthew 18: 17. 

'Seventh, "Mr. Parker, Mr. Woodbrid^e and the brethren with him which are 
forty-five have made a solemn written explicit covenant by the advice of the 
messengers of nine churches, who as witnesses have subscribed it by the mod- 
erator and scribe, that those articles then agreed on .should be the rule for prac- 
tice in the church of Newbury in all their administrations. The which cove- 
nant Mr. Parker did refuse to put to the vote of the church, giving the reason 
that then his party would be engaged to practice it, although himself had cove- 
nanted that it .should be the rule for practice in the church in all our adminis- 
trations. 

' Eighth, we do conceive that those brethren that consent not unto the cove- 
nant made by the pastor and the major part of the brethren, are not in a capac- 
ity to act in matters of discipline, in which we shall refer ourselves to the 
advice of better miderstanding, the reason of our referring is because onr church 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 97 

covenant is lost or burned, and the contents not known, and so under no church 
covenant until the last covenant made whereby as a consreafational church we 
have no power one over another, but by virtue of this lately made, as is evident 
by our rule agreed upon, chapter 4, section 1. 3, plalform. 

' Ninth, it hath been the custom of this church from the bea^nning not to 
take notice of the number of brethren, that come to church meeting, but in case 
the meeting is lawfully warned, if but half the church come together, to carry 
and end all things b_v the major part of them that did come, be they few or 
many, and as far as we know this is the practice of all churches, but notwith- 
standing we have acted by a major part of the brethren. 

' Tenth, we would put it to your serious considerations, whether if none but 
the brethren, that are in covenant with Mr. Parker, have been desired to slay, 
seeing the rest own not the covenant by any publick manifestation, our meeting 
had not been an authentic church meeting, and what we had acted by the major 
part of them be authentic, yet the whole church was desired to stay without 
any distinction, therefore no appearance of exception on that account. 

' Eleventh, we conceive that every church have an ecclesiastical judiciary 
amongst themselves to judge of, and give sentence upon, any ollences, or upon 
any persons that are of their combination or society, allowed to every particular 
church by Christ, Matthew 18, 17, confirmed by our laws, page 25, section 5, 
by an agreement or covenant as in platform, chapter 10, sections 5, 6, 7. This 
jurisdiction or judicatory being distinct from the civil power, except we break 
their laws, or go contrary to the law of God in fundamentals of faith and 
discipline. 

'Twelfth, lastly we would humbly desire you to consider that the major part 
have the concluding power in all the government and orders of this common- 
wealth, in our highest court, in the court of assistants, in the county courts, in 
commissioners' courts, among freemen in their meetings, by towns in their 
meetings, by military commissioners in their societies, so in choice of all offi- 
cers from the governor to the constable and way wardens. Also in synods, in 
councils, in all churches in New England tliat we know, and how it is come to 
pass that the poor church of Newbury among the thousands in New England 
should be opposed in their lawful liberties we cannot but a little wonder. And 
that it should be commended to this court's consideration whether we are not a 
people that go about to set up a new government, because we act or allow the 
act of the major part of the church to be authentic, to us seemeth to be an 
objection new coined by such as might as w-ell say a church hath no power or 
privilege whether they be major, or minor, or the whole. 

William Titco.mb. 
Caleb Moody. 
Sa.muel PlU-IIER. 
Stephen Grenlefe, 
RrcHARD Bartlet.' 

In addition to the preceding extracts, there is on file a large num- 
ber of testimonies, taken before the court in proof of the statements 
made by the friends of Mr. Parker, in their complaint to the court 
against Mr. Woodman and his friends. A few of these are here 
given as a specimen. 

Testimo.ny of Abiel Somerby. 'December 19, 1G70. In the school house 
Mr. Woodman expressing himself highly, Mr. Parker said, soft, sir, your ways 
are ungodly, you neglect publick worship and withdraw from the communion of 
the church. Mr. Woodman said Mr. P.'s ways were ungodly. After further 
discourse Mr, Woodman began to call for witness of what Mr, Parker said, I 
said, IMr. Woodman, you said Mr P.'s ways were ungodly, and therefore it is 
but quid pro quo. Who is that that saith so, Biel ? I answered, you, sir. He 
broke forth with a strange expression, the Lord help us, or the Lord have mercy 
on us, A man had need to have a care what he speaks before such men. 

Sworn to iVIarch twenty-eighth, 1671. 

13 



98 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

' I Abiel Somerby vas present when my father in law Ricliard Knight asked 
Mr. Woodman for tlie church book. Mr. Woodman said that he wouki not let 
it go till the church sends for it. My father Knight said that i\Ir. Parker and 
the church had voted that he should come to fetch it. j\Ir. Woodman answered 
I do utterly disown such a church. My father Knight said, is this vour answer * 
Rlr. Woodman said yes, that is my answer, only I think you do very sinfully to 
hold with such a church. Sworn to April eighteenth, 1671. 

' Henry Jaques affiiTneth that on January- twenty-ninth, 1671 when Mr. Wood- 
man desired the church to stay, that he stayed, but it was not to joyne with 
them, and speaking to Mr. Woodman he said he thought it unreasonable that 
Mr. \V'oodman should desire a church meeting to deal with Mr. Parker, when 
there was more need for him to be dealt withal for his oflences. He also aflirm- 
eth that he heard Mr. Woodman publickly atfirm that Mr. Parker had broken 
three covenants already, and that no covenant would stand before him. 

Sworn to, April eighteenth, 1671. 

' Deposition of Tristram Coffin and John Knight. 

' On the sixth of February in a publick meeting in the meeting house Mr. 
Woodman affirmed that when he went to deal with Mr. Parker according to 
rule and two brethren with him, that iSIr. Parker refused to hear him, and told 
him his ways were ungodly. Tristram Coffin said, sir, you delude the people 
for those words were spoken the nineteenth of December on another account 
and it was that day fortnight that i\Ir. Woodman with others went to deal with 
Mr. Parker. Sworn March twenty-eighth 1671.' 

As ]\Ir. Woodman's party claimed to be the cliurch, and to have 
a majority of the members, it was deemed of consequence on one 
side to establish that claim, and on the other to prove the contrary. 

'There are,' says Mr. John Woodbridge, 'according to ju.?t computation, 
reckoned as members of our church, if Mr. Dummer be left out, seventy-nine, 
if he be reckoned, eighty. Our brethren of the number of eighty lay claim to 
forty-one to be with them, if Mr. Duminer be reckoned into them. 

Steven Swett, one of their number is a professed anabaptist and hath refused 
communion with this church several years. Thirty-four only voted with them, 
which is far from the major part of the church. This being the foundation of" 
all their meetings and actings as a church, if the foundation be tottering, all 
their meetings being continued by adjournment from one to another, the errors 
of the foundation must needs convey irregularity to all subsequent motions.' 

'John Knight and Tristram Coffin testify that it was a minor part of the 
church that voted (to sit) for appointing a meeting to hear Mr. Woodman's 
complaint against j\lr. Parker, for thirty-nine have not joyned with them, besides 
three of forty-one. that Mr. Woodman lavs claim to were not present, namely, 
Mr. Dummer. John Merrill, John Wells, and Mr. Woodman is the complainer, 
and there remains but thirty-seven. Benjamin Rolf and William Moody did 
not vote, and Steven Swett ought not to vote, because he is an anabaptist and 
Lath not had communion with this church, and so onh' thirty-four voted. 

' I Joseph Hills aged sixty-nine do hereby testify that on the day of the church 
meeting appointed on motion of Mr. Woodman, I being in conference with Mr. 
W. about forbearing all proceeding till it misht be cleared up by help of counsel 
or conference, whether the power of church discipline was in the majority or 
elsew-here, Mr. Woodman said that Mr. Parker had broken covenant with the 
church sundry times and it would be to no purpose to make an asreement with 
Mr. Parker. Swom April eighteenth 1671. 

■ The deposition of Robert Pike aged fifty-three or thereabouts, being desired 
to give my testimony concerning Mr. Richard Dummer about his being a 
meinber of Newbury church, this is that I do testify, that at a meeting many 
years ago, as I remember upon a sabbath day, there was some thing propounded 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 99 

concerning Mr. Dummers transmission from the church at Roxbury to the 
church in Newbury, which seemed to good acceptance with the church, 
but whether it was by dismission or recommendation I understand not. 

Robert Pike.-" 
' The meeting was in the open ayr under a tree.' 

After hearing all the testimony in the case the court came to the 
following decision, namely : 

■ ' Complaint being made unto this court against Mr. Woodman. Mr. Dummer, 
William Titcomb and a party adhering to them as doth appear in three papers 
presented by Daniel Pierce and Richard Kent, the said Woodman and divers 
others complained of, were summoned at the sessions of this court in !March 
last, where the several complaints and charges were read to the said parties 
then appearing, and their answers required thereunto, when the said Mr. Wood- 
man among other things alleging that their accusations were many and heavy, 
and that they had many matters to charge upon Mr. Parker and those adhering 
to him, which they had neither time nor opportunity on the sudden to prepare, 
the court not willing to surprize them and desiring fully to understand the 
whole state of a case so extraordinary and of so high a nature, adjourned to the 
eighteenth of April, allowinff them copies of the charges exhibited against 
them, and advising them to prepare their objections against Mr. Parker and 
those with him. and to acquaint him with the same that they also might be in 
readiness to make their defence at the adjournment, and the court might then 
clearly understand upon hearing the wliole case and according to the merit 
thereof give judgment. The court meeting at the day aforesaid, after a full 
hearing it did appear that Mr. Woodman, Mr. Dummer, William Titcomb and 
others adhering to them (not appearing to be the major part of the church at 
Newbury, although the major part of such as met together) have proceeded to 
admonish their pastor, Mr. Parker, and to suspend him from the exercise of his 
otfice, as appeareth by their act sent vmto him the said ^Ir Parker as signed by 
Mr. Dummer and Richard Thorlay. 

' Second, that the said Mr. Woodman and party as above said did proceed to 
elect two ruling elders, namely Mr. Woodman himself and Mr. Dummer, ap- 
pointing a day for their ordination. Third, that this answer was passed against 
their pastor upon the complaint and solicitation of INIr. Woodman, and that the 
said Woodman had openlv published several falsehoods to animate his party 
(which lay under some discouragement by the judgment of a council declared 
against such irregular acting) and to exasperate them against Mr. Parker, who 
before and at that time of meeting, wherein they suspended him. to prevent so 
great an evil and scandal, did advise them as became his place, and offered and 
intreated them to joyne with him to call a council to hear their differences, 
engaging himself to be concluded thereby, which was not attended by said 
Woodman and parties, but they proceeded to act as abovesaid, for the defence 
of which high and irregular practices unheard of in this countrj", exceedingly 
scandalous and reproachful to the way of the churches here established, 
destructive to the peace and order of the gospel, threatenina: the ruin and deso- 
lation of all order. They have alleged nothing but that they were the major 
part of the church, not charging, much less proving, any olfence given by their 
reverend pastor, Mr. Parker, who for any thing, that doth appear is altogether 
innocent, though so exceedingly scandalized, reproached and wronged by Mr. 
Woodman his party. All which clearly and undeniably appearing by the 
papers, pleas and evidences that are on file, the court as in duty bound being 
sensible of the dishonor to the name of God. to religion here established and 
also the disturbance of the peace, the scandalizing of a venerable, loving and 
pious pastor and an aged father can not but judge the said Woodman, Mr. 
Dummer, and William Titcomb. the parties jojTiing with them guilty of very 
great misdemeanors, though in ditl'erent degrees, deserving severe punishment, 
yet being willing to exercise as much lenity as the case is capable of, or may- 
stand with a meet testimony against such an offence, which we are bound in 



100 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

duty to God and our consciences to bear testimony against, do hereby adjudge 
the said ilr. Woodman and party adhering to him to pay the several fines under 
^Tritten with the charge of the witnesses and fees of court, and that they all 
stand committed till the said fines, charges and fees be satisfied and paid.' 

The sentence of the court was passed May twenty-ninth, 1671. 
The following is a complete list of Mr. Woodman's party, \\ith 
the amount of the fines affixed to their names. 

' Mr. Edward Woodman, twentj' nobles.* Mr. Richard Dummer, Richard 
Thorlay, Stephen Greenleaf, Richard Bartlet and William Titcomb four nobles 
each. Francis Plumer, John Emery senior. John Emery junior, John Merrill 
and Thomas Bro\yne a mark each.f Nicholas Batt, Anthony Morse senior, 
Abraham Toppan, W^illiam Sawyer, Edward Woodman junior, AViUiam Pils- 
bury. Caleb Moody, John Poor senior, John Poor junior, John Webster. John 
Bartlet senior, John Bartlet junior, Joseph Plumer, Edward Richardson, Thom- 
as Hale junior, Edmund Moores. Benjamin Lowle, Job Pilsbury, John Wells, 
William Ilsley, James Ordway, Francis Thorla. Abraham Merrill. John Bailey, 
Benjamin Rolf. Steven Swett, and Samuel Plumer. a noble each.' Robert 
Coker and William !Moody were not fined. The whole number is forty-one.' 

The follo\%"ing are the names of Mr. Parker's party. 

IVIr. John Woodbktdge. Captain Willt.^m Gerrish. 

Captain P.wi. White. Mr. Percival Lowle. 

]Mr. Henry Sew.\ll. J.\:\ies Kent. 

RicH.^RD Kent. Robert Long. 
John Kent. ' Richard Peitingell. 

Henry Short. William Morse. 

Daniel Pierce, senior. Jonathan Morse. 

Richard Kntght. John Davis. 

Anthony Short. John S:\iith. 

Richard Knight. James Sjiith. 

John Kelly-. James Jackman. 

John Knight. Joseph Mczzey. 

Henry Jaqves. Richard Dole. 

Thomas Hale, senior. Anthony So.merby. 

Robert Adams. Nathaniel Clarke. 

Abel Huse. Tristram Coffin. 

George Little. Nicholas Noyes, senior. 

Sa.muel Moody'. Thomas Turvill. 

William Chandler. Nicholas Wallington. 

^Ir. Nicholas Noyes. Mr. John Gerrish. 
Nicholas Wallington. Whole number 41 . 

The foregoing completes the transcript from the county coiut 
records of all that is deemed necessary to a right understanding of the 
case, which is in some respects peculiar, and must be deeply interest- 
ing, not only to the descendants of those engaged in such a contest, 
but to all who \\ish to ascertain the feelings, the views, opinions, and 
principles, of the early settlers of New England, respecting that 
vital question in church and state: in whose hands is the power of 
government rightly lodged ? Ought or ought not tlie majority to 
govern ? On this question, which agitated the clutrch in Newbury 
for more than a quarter of a century, I make no comments, and 

* A noble is si.x shillinss and eight-pence, 
t A mark is thirteen shillings and fourpence. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 101 

offer no opinion. The facts are before the reader. He must draw 
his own conclusions. Should he, however, suppose, that the action 
of the county court was a final settlement of the whole affah", and 
that peace and quietness was once more re-established in the church 
and among the people of Newbury, he wiil find his supposition 
erroneous, as the following extracts from the general court records 
will show. 

'May 31, 1671. The present distressed and labourins state of the church of 
Christ at Newbury being represented to this court, whereof they are deeply 
sensible, this court doth judge it expedient that some help be sent unto the said 
church in a way of communion of churches, and therefore do order and appoint 
that the secretary doe in the name of this court write unto these several churches 
of Charlestown, the first church of Boston, the chiirch of Dedham, the church 
of Ro.vbury, desiring them to send their elders and messengers to the church of 
Newbury, that they may enquire into their state and ofi'er them their best advice, 
according to the word of God, for their composure and healing and to make a 
return of what they shall judge and doe in this matter, unto this court or the 
council of this commonwealth, and that the secretary doe signify this order unto 
the reverend Mr. Thomas Parker to be communicated unto both parties there at 
variance in that church of Newbury ; and that Mr. William Stoughton be 
desired to join with the secretary in writing their letters.' 

On June twenty-third, 1671, Mr. William Stoughton addressed 
the following letter to the reverend Thomas Parker. 

' The present state of your church being so uncomfortable and so publickly 
known, it hath occasioned many and sad thoughts of heart in all that tenderly 
love the name and interest of the Lord Jesus Christ and seek the good and 
welfare of these churches with their whole hearts. A solemn grief it is that 
after such pains and labour heretofore taken by the reverend elders and messen- 
gers of several churches that were with you and some hopes of a good success 
thereof, yet matters in conclusion should come to no better an issue than what 
of late hath fallen out amongst you. WTiat in this case is incumbent on 
authority to doe that your divisions may be healed and the scandal of them 
removed halh been (though under some straits of time) a serious disquisition 
amongst us. Yon may please therefore to understand that we have written unto 
these four churches, namely, of Boston, Charlestown, Ro.vbury and Dedham, 
exhorting and desiring them (according to the known and approved practice of 
communion of churches amongst us) joyntly to send their elders and other meet 
messengers unto you that they may in such a way of God take knowledge of 
your present case, and being fully informed give you their best advice an coun- 
sel therein as the rules and appointments of our Lord Jesus Christ in his word 
shall direct. And what these reverend elders and messensers .shall find and doe 
in this your weighty concern they are requested to make a return thereof either to 
the next general court, that shall be held or to the council of this commonwealth. 
The messengers of the churches when chosen will give you seasonable notice 
of the time, which they shall have agreed on, of coming to you. 

' And, that there may be that readynesse and preparednesse in you all to 
receive their coming upon so solemn an errand, as you ought in the Lord, we 
desire and expect that what we now write unto you may be communicated and 
read unto your whole church, if it may be assembled together, or at ^east unto 
both the parties at variance therein severally. Now, reverend sir and dear 
brethren we expect and warn you all, and with all earnestness call on you that 
you would thoroughly and solemnly as in the sight of God reflect upon your 
doleful and deplorable condition, considering both whence such distractions and 
disorders spring, and vvhereunto they tend, none being gainers by them but 
Satan and his instruments, whilst in the mean time your own souls, and the glory 



102 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

of Cod and the common interest of these churches are great losers. We beseech 
you, every one, to be jealous of and judge himself, to humble yourselves 
greatly before the Lord, to beg that pardon of God and reconciliation with him, 
without which there can never be any healing among yourselves. That this yon 
may do and that there may be a sovereign and plentiful etfusion of grace, love, 
peace, and a sound mind whereby you may be in every respect framed unto a 
thankful entertainment of unfeigned submission to such counsels of peace and 
healing, as may be in the way prososed given in and pressed upon you, is the 
cordial sincere desire of 

WiLLIA.M StOUGHTON.' 

On the second of July, the first church in Boston chose deputy 
governor John Leverelt and five other messengers, ' to go to the 
church at Newbury, to hear the ditferences that be there to be a 
means of liealing, if (lod please.'* 

The council assembled at Newbury according to the direction of 
the general court, but at what precise time we are not informed. 
The result of then- labors was presented to the court, who made a 
report thereon at the May session, ] 672, as the reader will see in its 
proper place. 

From tlie records of the first church in Rowley, the following 
letters are extracted. 

' Newbury, sixteenth of February, 1671. 

' To the church of Christ in Rowley both elder and brethren, grace and peace 
be with you. 

' Reverend and beloved in the Lord, 

' It is the portion that the God of all wisdom hath allotted 
this poor church, to pass over the greatest part of her time in this wilderness 
in great divisions and contentions which cannot but occasion much perturbation 
of spirit among ourselves, and many thoughts of heart in our sister churches 
round about us, that we above all others should thus unquietly pass the days of 
our pilgrimage here, having no other time but the present moment that pass 
over us, which may be called ours, and the voice of God still sounding in our 
ears to day if ye will hear his voice then harden not your hearts. And we being 
conscious that a state of division and contention in the church of Christ is an 
inlet to much sin and evil occurrences, and that such customs are not to be 
allowed in the church of Christ, and yet we are commanded to contend for the 
faith once given to the saints whereby we doe confess that contentions against 
truth and against rule are only forbidden by the Lord. We therefore considering 
the aptness that is in men to think well of their o\\-i\ judgments and actions, 
doe think it expedient, and that, which doth stand with the mind of Christ, and 
to the rule, to which we have lately agreed, and must have recourse thereto in 
things wherein we differ, to call upon neighbouring churches for help and advice. 
We doe therefore earnestly desire that you will send us the messengers, such as 
be most capable of giving us advice from scripture, or from rule thereunto 
agreeins, for if it be the good pleasure of the Lord we would once have an end 
of trouble and contention in his way and according to his will. We shall call 
in for our help herein at this time only our next two neighbouring churches, 
Salisbury and Rowley, thereby you may consider what number may be most 
convenient to send. The time we desire your presence is the last day of Febru- 
ary being, Tuesday seven night after the date hereof at nine o'clock in the 
morninaf. We would desire you to repair to the ordinary, where some of us 
shall attend to receive you. Once more we do earnestly desire you in the bowels 
of Christ Jesus not to fail our expectations for our condition itself doth imfortu- 
nately call for help and advice, in a case, in which the glory of God and the 
peace of this church is soe nearly concerned and the rule we are agreed upon 

* Boston first church records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 103 

doth direct us to your advice as yourselves are our witness ; not doubting but 
by your advice throush God's presence and blessing his name shall have ijlory 
and ourselves a beneiit. And that it miarht soe be we commend you to his 
grace and direction, and rest in love yours to serve you in what we may. 

By us signed, whose names are imderwritten in the 
name of the brethren of the church. 
Archelaus Woodman. William Titcomb. 
Steven Grenlefe. Caleb Moony. 

Richard Bartlet. Samuel Plumer.' 



' To Mr. Woodman and the rest of our beloved brethren with him at Newbu- 
ry, members of the church of Christ there, grace and peace be with you. 

'Rowley, February 20th, 1671. 
' Beloved brethren, 

' Your letter, (wherein you desire of this church of Christ at Rowley 
that we would send messengers to give advice tending to the healing of your 
long and uncomfortable differences) hath been read before them the nineteenth 
of this instant. Their answer is that though they are sensible of your uncom- 
fortable condition as things now stand with you and are willing to send the best 
help God hath given us, yet at present we judge it not seasonable because we 
are informed by brother Titcomb your messenger to us and by others that you 
did not by any publick act agree to desire your reverend pastor and the brethren 
with him to joyne with you in calling a council. We conceive it most agreea- 
ble to the rale the fourteenth of Romans seventeen that you desire his concur- 
rence with you in calling a council, and we know noe instance wherein this 
method has not been attended of such brethren *********** as have at any 
time called in council in any of these churches. If it be said he will not joyne 
in calling a council we answer, it may be soe, yet your way is then the clearer 
to call in help without him. Thus far the whole church. 

' Only several of this church do conceive that it were more suitable to your 
affairs if your church call in some more help than what you mention in your 
letter, three at least, if not four churches. A covenant breaker is very hardly 
set, and if nine churches could hardly be instramental of your peace, how you 
think two should set you at rights we cannot easily imagine. But we hope if 
you are willing to call in four or five churches Mr. Parker and the brethren 
would concur with you therein, whereas if you only mention Salisbury and 
Rowley to him, we doubt whether he will concur, for he cannot be ignorant 
that there is not suitable help to be sure of at Rowley as there is in others that 
you might call in help from. Besides consider that word the eleventh of Prov- 
erbs fourteen in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. When are many 
counsellors needful but in difficult cases, and if yours are not such we cannot 
readily think of any that are. No more but our prayers to God for j'ou that he 
would grant you peace by all means. Soe pray your loving brethren, 

Samuel Philips, 
Ma.ximilian Jewett. 
In the name of the whole church at Rowley.' 

'Newbury, March 17, 1671. 

' The church of Christ which is at Rowley both elder and brethren grace and 
peace be with you from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

' Reverend and dearly beloved in the Lord. After our long and troublesome 
differences in the church, it is well known unto yourselves that in April the 
twenty-second last by the help and advice of the assembly of the elders and 
brethren of nine churches we made an agreement or covenant that the church of 
Newbury should be governed bv a rule then agreed upon in all the administrations 
contained in five articles. Notwithstanding our troubles being still continued 
a-nd lengthened out without all hope of remedy in that estate the church stood 



104 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

in having but one elder, and himself so contrary to the church with whom he 
hath entered into the late covenant or asreeraent. Insomuch that we are with- 
out all orderly proceedings in any church matters, no members admitted, noe 
censure can pass on otlenders, but our condition attended with many evil occur- 
rences to the dishonor of God, to the reproach of conarregational churches and 
especially to this church as not beins capable of healing our distempers. In 
consideration whereof a brother of this congregation hath lately attempted to 
deal with Mr. Parker as concerning the cause of all our troubles and contentions 
have proceeded from himself but Mr. Parker refused to hear him saying that 
none but elders had to doe with him, whereupon this brother made this com- 
plaint to the whole church one Lord's day and desired the church to appoint a 
time to hear him in his complaints, but Mr. Parker forbad the brother to com- 
plain to the church and forbad the church to hear him ; notwithstanding the 
church did stay and appointed a time to hear the complaint and have met and 
heard it. Then considering the weight of the cause in respect to the person 
concerned in the complaint, agreed to call in two neighbouring churches for 
advice, but there came to our help but the messengers from Salisbury only, 
whose advice was that the choice of officers either teaching or ruling elders, 
such as the church .should most unanimously agree upon would most conduce 
to our peace and quiet. Whereupon three or four of the brethren being sent to 
Mr. Parker to desire his consent to this advice but he did deny it. The church 
having adjourned their former meeting, when they heard the complaint, met 
again'at a time appointed and passed their judgment upon it, and being forced 
thereunto to the great grief and trouble of our hearts and by an act laid Mr. 
Parker under blame, suspending him from all official acts until he gave the 
church satisfaction, only to preach as a gifted brother if he please, and having 
soe done they elected two ruling elders Mr. Richard Dummer and ]\Ir. Edward 
Woodman, and have appointed Thursday next for their ordination. This is 
therefore to request that you would be pleased to send your messengers to give 
their approbation to the w'ork intended, and what help you can to the furtherance 
of the work. If your reverend pastor would be pleased to preach us a sermon 
we shall be much obliged unto him. Thus we thought good to lay open to yoHr 
understanding the order of our proceedings, as not desiring to walk in the dark, or 
any way to beguile your apprehensions. In case the Lord should stirr up your 
hearts to send us your help in a work that soe much concerns the glory of God, 
the peace of the church, we hope you shall have no cause to repent of your la- 
bour, but to praise the God of peace with ourselves hoping that by such means 
he will be pleased to create peace for ns. Soe commending 5'ou to his gracious 
direction in this and all your concernments we rest in him to serve you in what 
we may. Signed by us, whose names are underwritten 

In the name and by the consent of the church. 

Archelaus Woodman. William Titcomb. 

Stephe.v Guenlefe. Richard Bartlet. 

Sa.muel Plumer. Caleb Moody.' 



ANSWER. 



'Rowley, March 20, 1671. 



' Dearly beloved in the Lord Jesus, 

' The lecture this week calls for my attendance so that I 
cannot enlarge, but in brief you may by these understand that your letter hath 
been read before the church, and their answer is that they judge not meet to 
send any messengers to encourage or countenance you in what you have done 
in reference to you reverend pastor, nor iu what you are farther about to do in 
respect to your ordination of elders, as being doubtful of such proceedings, yet 
neither do" they think meet by messengers or by writing to bear testimony 
against yonr actings or absolutely to condemn them. 

' But for myself as one that you were pleased to direct your letters unto, I 
must needs say that I conceive you are far out of God's way, and therefore doe 
most earnestly beseech you to desist from such irregular proceedings and un- 
heard of in aiiy church in New England that I know of. The reasons why I 
conceive your late transactions to be irregular are these. 



HISTORT OF NEWBURY. 105 

' First, in that j'ou have not called in counsell in an orderly way by desiring 
your pastor and the brethren with him to joyne with you in calling in advice. 
Kow it seeins to me irrational as well as unbrotlierly, that brethren especially a 
pastor should not have liberty as well as brethren (that bear otlence against 
him,) to chuse such as may hear the matter between them. 

' Second, in that he hath oiFered you lo jojiie with you in calling in advice, 
you have not closed with his motion, nor been moved thereby to put any stop 
to your actings. 

' Third, as to your deposing of your reverend pastor, from the exercise of 
his pastoral office, you mention no advice from the messengers of Salisbury 
church to encourage you therein, nor doe I believe any church in the colony 
will stand by you in it. You know what the judsnnent of the churches is as to 
that case expressed in the platform. It must be for scandalous evils, not mat- 
ters controversial. And the whole brotlierhood agreeing that called liim to 
olBce, and therefore not a mere major part, and with the advice of neighbouring 
churches, the calling in of which you have neither referred to your pastor nor 
accepted his offer of it to you. For ray coming to preach with you on Thursday 
next if I should soe doe I should think mjself much better employed than **** 
sometimes was when he was not well employed. I have not been unwilling, nor 
shall be to serse you as God shall call and wli^ii he calls me thereto. In the mean 
while I beseech the good Lord to direct your work in truth and insure that mer- 
cy to you and me that David begs Psalms 19 ; 13. Keep back thy servant, and 
so forth. I rest your grieved brother 

Samukl Phillips.' 

The two following letters were ^^^■itten by the reverend Samuel 
Phillips of Rowley. They are also transcribed from -the Rowley 
church records and commence thus : 

'January 16(ft, 1672. 

' A reply to a letter sent to S. P. from Mr. John Woodbridge in justification of 
their practice in coming to the Lord's table notwithstanding the sad divisions 
among them.' 

' Reverend and dear sir, 

' Though I have noe gi-eat list nor leisure for writings of this na- 
ture your long epistle necessitating some reply I doe entreat your consideration 
of these few lines in way of answer. You doe in yours inform me that the 
brethren opposite to I\Ir. Parker doe encourage themselves by something tliat 
they have heard from me, as if I protest against your practice in celebrating 
the Lord's supper in such a time of division. I know not what reports you have 
heard nor from whom, nor on what giouud you receive them, notwithstanding I 
deny not, but upon occasion I was of your last council's mind in tliis matter 
(who advised a cessation at present till your spirits were healed and sweetened 
with love one towards another) and have expressed noe less lo ]VIr. Parker before 
the council was sent. But if it be the way of Mr. Woodman and the rest with 
him to take advantage by any hint (as you say) though never so frivolous, you 
needed not to take such notice of the taking encouragement from such hints, 
nor take so much pains to confute them. 

' Concerning the question as yourself have stated it, it is easily answered, 
for yourself confess that if there were any thing chargeable in the reverend 
pastor and brethren why they should abstain from the use of the sacrament, 
that then you would acknowledge that the case were somewhat altered, if it 
were soe. But lliat I conceive is the ca.se, for the pastor and the brethren stand 
charged by a council to have acted irregularly in several things. Three are in 
my mind at present. 

' First, that Mr. Parker, contrary to the aareement in the former council, did 
refuse to admit some into fellowship, because they were of different persuasions 
from himself, whereas ditferent persuasions ou eitiier side was lo be noe lett to 
admissions. 

14 



106 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

' Second, that the articles of agreement (of which tlie forementioned was one) 
to which Mr. Parker consented and several principal brethren, yet that he should 
refuse to publish them and to endeavour a consent to them, was an omission that 
had sad consequences following amona'.st yourselves, not to speak how much 
the former council's pains was made thereby ineflectual and God's name taken 
in vain whilst solemn thanks vi'ere given to God in the churches that he had 
blessed endeavours and intdined their hearts to such articles of agreement. 

' Third, that the pastor and brethren did pass a sentence against Mr. Wood- 
man's party before calling them to repentance, or advising in soe weighty a 
matter with other chiu'ches, and though you once expressed yourself that these 
circumstantial omissions (tho' Mr. Parker did not grant so farre) I conceive that 
they were, especially tire former, a substantial omission of attendance to the 
article that calls upon us to have patience with an heretic, and not reject him 
presently without using means once and again to convince and reduce him, for it 
becomes us much more to use means with our brethren to convince and reduce 
them from the errors of their ways, James 5 : 20, and Timothy 2 : 24 and 25. In 
a word I do conceive that if the council's determination when they left you, and 
the reply to your objections be well con.sidered, there will appear something 
chargeable on the pastor and brethren, which ought to be acknowledged, (that 
thereby the hearts of the brethren grieved and oh'ended may be eased) before 
you came in order to tlie Lord's table. And besides it may be feared that your- 
selves not beginning in this work is the cause why the opposite party are not 
more forward to attend their duty lierein, which duty how much it is incumbent 
on both, methinks those scriptures the fifth Matthew 23, 24 and James 5 : 16 
doe evince. It is true God will have have his holy ordinances attended, which 
you strongly plead, but you know that he will have them attended after the due 
order, otherwise we may expect a breach rather than a blessing 1 Chronicles 5 : 
12. God loves his worship and desires it much but he **** more upon peace 
and union amongst his people than upon attendance upon him in this or that 
part of substituted worship, which are means to further us in moral duties and 
therefore tells us that he is willing to stay for his service till we be reconciled 
one to another. If the gift must be left at the altar till personal reconciliation be 
made, much more when the distance is between so many, not healed by per- 
sonal acknowledgements. And as to this you should do as you would be done 
by. You will not admit the brethren to that ordinance without confession of 
their faults, and why should you goe to it without attendance to the duty you 
call for from them, being there are failings with you as well as greater evils 
with them. As for your pleading therefore not guilty, it is not unuseful to con- 
sider what Mr. Burroughs speaks in his Irenicon, who tells us when our spirits 
are hot with displeasure one against another, we are apt to be hardened 
from seeing what is amiss in ourselves as it was with Jonah when his spirit was 
hot and angry he would hardly be convinced by God himself that he did or 
spoke any thing amiss. 

' Concerning your judgment that no cessation in your case can be grounded 
on 1 Corinthians, 11, I desire you would a little consider the eighteenth, 
twentieth, and thirty-third verses. He tells them that whilst there were divisions 
and other evils amongst them, this was not to eat the Lord's supper, hence it 
necessarily follows, that those things, which made it to be noe participation in 
the Lord's supper, if not amended, ought to be refonned before they came, 
otherwise why does God set the sword's point at their breast verses twenty- 
seven and twentv-nine, yea [threaten] them not only with sickness but with death, 
if they might still meet at that ordinance though those divisions and other evils 
are not removed. He that says examine, prepare and soe come, does therein 
say come not otherwise ; and church reformation, not only personal examination 
is required in that chapter before they miirht partake of that ordinance, other- 
wise they niisht expect to hear from God this is not to eat the Lord's supper 
verse twentieth yea and might expect to feel more of his displeasure besides 
xvhat what they had felt. I need not tell you, sir, wliat God required of the 
Jews as to searching out of leaven before they eat the passover, or what it sig- 
nified. The apostle expounds the 1 Corinthians 9 purge out the old leav(?n 
that you may keep the feast. The least sin is worse than a cartload of leaven. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 107 

These forementioned failings the scriptures doe condemn as well as the council. 
The Lord enable you to purge them out by repentance, that soe you may come 
together to that ordinance of love, joy and prayse purely for the better and not 
for the worse. Soe prays your unworthy brother, 

Samuel Phillips.' 

'Rowley April 3d, 1672. 

' Reverend and good sir, 

' It was in my purpose, (as it seems it was in yours), not to have 
troubled you nor myself with any more writing, and therefore having perused 
your reply to my letter, though I got not satisfaction by it, yet I attempted noe 
return, judging it meet that yourself should have the last word, but having 
received another writing from you intimating that I have to great offence admit- 
ted one of Newbury church, or more to the Lord's table with us, though under 
scandal, and having given satisfaction, this does necessitate me to write once 
more and upon this occasion I shall make a brief reply unto your former large 
letter. The fifth of Matthew you wave as conceiving it touches not your case, 
but condemns moral evils, covered with a cloak of devotion towards God, such 
as open violence, devouring widows' houses and for a pretence making long 
prayers, but the te.xt saith, if thou rememberest that thy brother hath aught against 
thee if it be a lesser fault, such as you mention, yet if it be a breach of rule 
whereby I have oll'ended my brother in word or deed, I ought to acknowledge 
my fault and be reconciled unto him. It is true as 3'ou say a man must remem- 
ber that his brother hath something against him and if you yourselves can re- 
member nought of that nature, who can help it but only God ! whereas you say 
in your first writing and also in your second that all duties, (if God's worship 
may), both publick and private must be omitted, I know noe such consequence 
as that can rationally be gathered from any thing I have exprest. You say 
that all God's ordinances are of the same nature and alike holy. Though that 
be granted, yet I conceive a man may and ought to attend upon God in duties of 
his worship daily in his family and weekly in hearing the word and so forth, 
though in his sins, loving and allowing himself in them, as suppose a pott com- 
panion, and one that has offended many by his ungodly words and ways, and 
though it is his sin to corae with the stumbling block of his inquity before his 
face yet he may not abstain from the service of God in family and in publick, 
but for him to come to the Lord's supper in such a condition were a high provo- 
cation to God, very sinful in them that suffer it and very dangerous to his own 
[soul.] The reason is because some duties of God's worship as reading, hear- 
ing, prayer and so forth are means appointed for converting and working grace, 
and therefore to be attended by such as are impenitent oflenders, but the sacra- 
ment is appointed for comforting the weak brethren, and for strengthening and 
increasing of grace ; my meaning is not in the least to reflect in all this, but 
to show the invalidity of such an assertion that if we must abstain from the 
Lord's supper till we have acknowledged our faults, whereby we have offended 
our brethren (especially all that are more publick) then by the same reason we 
must abstain from all duties of God's worship both publick and private. Be- 
sides family worship daily and publick worship weekly are stated as to time of 
attending such duties, but the Lord's supper is not so, but we may come to it 
seldomer or oftener as we are in capacity for such an ordinance. Old Mr. Shep- 
ard administered it once in ten weeks and truly better not once in a year than 
to come with any allowed leaven (publickly taken notice of) but not removed 
by repentance. You farther add that the innocent are not be judged with the 
guilty. I answer, 

' First, it is hard to conceive that in a church contending and divided there 
will be many innocent, thouah some are usually farre more guilty than others. 
1 Corinthians 11:30 we read not of many clear. 

' Secondly, if there be particular persons men and women innocent yet till the 
church be in peace and offences healed in some measure, they are to submit to 
the affliction to want the Lords supper. At Ipswich there was hot contentions 
about Mr. Norton's leaving them, some sadly clasht with the reverend Mr. Rogers, 
and one with another, and though there were divers good men and women that 



108 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

never meddled in tliat business, but sat silent, yet the sacrament was not 
administeri'd. And was it not the duty (think you) of these innocent ones to 
submit to it (though for a time they wanted that ordinance), the church not 
being in a capacity to celebrate it till matters were composed. 

' As to the three particulars I mentioned I conceived you had and have cause 
to blame yourselves herein. Time permits not to argue farther with you 
about them, only a few words as to the third about your censure upon the 
oliending brother. I will not now discourse upon the nullity of that sentence 
nor how farr ye saying clavis **** non ligat is applicable to your act, yet two 
things I formerly mentioned were omissions, which I still think cannot be justified. 

' First, the not calling upon them to see their sin in such an unheard of act, 
you tell me you had often warned them to desist from their irregular proceed- 
ings and actings, but not a word of any endeavour to bring them to the sense 
of that sin, or those sins you censured them for, and therefore they could not 
be looked upon as such as would not hear the church, when the church had 
not admonished them, nor called upon them for repentance, and as only such 
as refuse to hear the church are to be censured, or withdrawn from, b}' the church. 
And forasmuch as you say what good .success could have been expected, if you 
had endeavoured to bring them to a sight of these evils 1 I an.swer whether 
they would hear or forbear, yet God's rule is to be attended and therefore your 
third ingredient to right sentence is namely, to seek a law of God, that will allow 
them you mention to withilraw from yon. obstinate offenders to be censured. I 
answer not to be withdrawn from till all due means be used for their conviction 
and bringing them to repentance, neither could they be called obstinate 
offenders when you had not endeavoured to bring them to a sight of their evils, 
especially the scandalous one of deposing Mr. Parker. 

' It is true what you say it is easier to find faults than to mpml. them ; it is 
also as true it is easier to make faults than to see them, as appears by your 
calling this an omission of you know not what, and let what I have said 
formerly and now as to this matter be accounted a private fancy, I am willing 
to bear it having a council to bear it with me and what is more the rule will 
stand by me to my best understanding. 

' Second, touching the other omission of calling in council your own words 
doe evince that it was an unjustifiable omission, in that you once and again 
say (I think truly) that it was a case the like was never heard of, that you 
know of in the christian world, the more necessity of serious deliberation and 
good advice, and you may be sure noe council in the country would have 
advised you to pass any sentence against them or [them to] withdraw from vou 
till due means had been used by yourselves tosether with tJu' body of other 
churches, if need were to bring them to repentance. By this you may perceive 
that I am farre from that [opinion] that particular churches have absolute power 
to carry all matters amongst themselves. If some of our church has lisped out 
something that wav, we own it not for a concregational principle, only they say, 
I own that every particular church organic has power to carry on all atiairs and 
administration in God's house, excepting when they cannot proceed for want of 
light in dilficult cases, or for want of peace and accord. 

' As for that passage you mention out of the platform that the power of 
regular g-ovemment is in the pastor and the brethren walking in communion, 
they can't be thought to intend it of a divided and rent church as yours is. 
Concerning your last writing as to the satisfaction the brethren a'cnerally 
rendered, I judge as you do that it is farre from what the Lord and his people 
do expect from them. As for the matter of blame you allege against me **** 
****** as receiving to the sacrament one or more of your offending brethren 
scandalous and impenitent, I answer that it is easy to conceive a grievous faidt 
and then to aggravate and lay a load of blame upon it. I am not of that 
opinion as you intimate, nor has there been any such practice amongst us as 
yet that we know of. The person that communicated with us was goodraau 
[Thomas] Hale junior. 'Vou say our practice therein is e])iscopal, I wish there 
were nothing in Newbury that looks of a more episcopal countenance, but to 
let that pass. 

' First, the censure put upon him, namely, goodman Hale and the rest was 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 109 

understood by the council to be null, I answer it was irregular though its true 
the fault was great. 

' Second, he was one that Mr. Parker was willing to accept to the Lord's 
supper with himself as being satisfied widi his acknowledgement (wherein he 
comes up fully to own his fault according to the sentence of the council in 
terminis) provided he would come to the sacrament. 

' Third, we have it attested by two witnesses that Mr. Parker told them (going 
to him to acknowledge their faults according to the sentence of the council) 
that let them go as far as they would in acknowledgement except they would 
come and join with him at the Lord's table, it would not be taken for satisfaction. 

' Fourth, I propounded his desire of partaking to our church, that if any had 
any thing to object. There was not one that manifested the least dissent. 

' I asked the week before advice of Mr. Cobbet in reference to Mr. Dummer 
and goodman Hale their desire of partaking with us that in case they came up 
to full acknowledgement of their evil to Mr. Parker and the brethren that they 
might be admitted, if Mr. Parker do not o\\ni that he have submitted to the 
council's sentence (I mean goodman Hale) to take blame upon him. which they 
lay upon him, and was unwilling or refused to own as much publickly as he 
presented to Mr. Parker more privately, then I acknowledge there was a wilful 
irregularity in admitting him to communion in that ordinance with us for the 
witnesses I spoke of were not present when goodman Hale offered such full 
satisfaction to Mr. Parker, which I understood not till a day or two after the 
sacrament, but the testimony is that they there otfered up like full satisfaction, 
but it was not accepted e.\cept they would come to the sacrament. I .shall not 
for the future admit him nor any more of yours till they make it evident by full 
proof that they have attended their duty in what is before mentioned, and then 
though they should essay to join with that part of the church with you, which 
do partake. I do not see how they can be rejected of other churches, yet not- 
withstanding I shall not be very forward to admit any more of yours till God be 
pleased to find out some way for issuing the difference amongst you, which 
might have been obtained before this day, had both parties acknowledged to 
each other what was amiss. I would not be understood as if I looked upon the 
otfences as equally evil, yet the mote in our eyes should trouble us (if the 
humble soul may call his sin a mote) as well as in another's, for a less fault is 
more hurtful to us, if not repented of, than the greatest crimes of others can be. 

' For my intemieddling as a busy-body in other men's matters, for that is the 
apostles' expression that you seem to refer to, you cannot be ignorant that I can 
easily answer it, but I desire not to aggravate, but to love you and delight in 
you, notwithstanding all reflections, for I cannot but say that you have been and 
are dear to me and reverend Mr. Parker also, though it may be neither of you 
are very ready to believe it at present. I do not intend to trouble you with any 
more writing (but hope we may have opportunity to discourse the matter lovingly 
together.) In the meanwhile while the God of love and peace direct us in the 
way thereof. Pray for your unworthy brother, 

Samuel Phillips.' 

The diffictilties in the church in Newbury had, it seems, excited 
a deep interest in ahuost all parts of tlie state, and, as usual in limes 
of excitement, a vast deal of falsehood was circulated respecting 
Mr. Parker. One of these stories was deemed of so much impor- 
tance by the grand jury, that they sent the following to the comity 
court: 

' We present Edward Lumas of Ipswich for publishing these following words, 
namely, ' that Mr. Parker of Newbury had sent a letter to the lord arch bishop 
of Canterbury for help and relief about their troubles at Newbury and that lie 
saw a copy of the letter.' 

' For this offence,' the court records inform us, May first, 1672, 



110 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

' Edward Lixmas and Robert Adams shall audibly make public ac- 
kiiuwledgement next lectm-e day.' 



1672. 

From the general court records I make the following extracts : 

'May 19th, 1672. The couit having' perused the return of the messengers of 
the churches chosen by order of the ecclesiastical court to inspect the 
dillerences in the church of Newbury and to offer their best advice according to 
the word of God for tlieir composure and healing and to make return of what 
they shall find and do in this matter unto this court or council of the common- 
wealth and upon our consideration judge meet to declare their approbation of 
the same and desire it may be attended to accordingly by all persons respect- 
ively concerned, the particulars whereof are as follovveth. 

' First, concerning Mr. Woodman and his company we do judge their actings 
in withdrawing from the rest of the church, to set up meetings among them- 
selves in the name of the church and to act the power of the church in admon- 
ishing and suspending their reverend pastor and choosing elders, appointing a 
time of ordination, although they be the major part of the brethren and, not- 
withstanding offences and provocations given them we cannot but bear due 
witness aaainst them, as a violation of church order in the gospel and usurpa- 
tion upon the liberties of their brethren, for althougli the whole church agree- 
ing may censure an officer for gi'0.ss and scandalous evils in dealing or conver- 
sation, impenifently persisted in according to Colossians 4: 17, Romans 16 : 17, 
as is alleged in the platform of discipline, yet in a divided state of tlie church 
for the major part and that by a very few, and that in a matter doubtful and 
disputable, to act as is aforesaid is a matter of great disorder and scandalous 
and contrary to 1 Thessalonians 5: 13, Gallatians 4 : 13, 1 Corinthians 13 ; 4, 
and therefore is a nullity. 

' Second, concerning the act of the reverend pastor and those with hira sus- 
pending Mr. Woodman and the brethren with him notwithstandini; the offence 
given them, yet to pass such an act or censure suddenly and thereby increasing 
the rent and occasioning greater divisions and themselves being the minor part 
of the church and not seekiuii after healing means and so forth or taking counsel 
is irregular and null 1 Corinthians 14 : 40, 2 Corinthians 13 : 10. Thus far we 
have in faithfulness declared our judgments concerning offences and failings 
each party is guilty of. Some other things that are more dubious in the aa'ita- 
tions before us, we shall only give our advice about to avoid unnecessary dis- 
putes about them for the future. 

' First, whereas our Lord Jesus Christ hath given liberty of voting in all their 
own concerns to the whole church it necessarily follows that the judgment of 
the whole church should be clearly manifested and forasmucli the scripture 
mentioneth the lifting up of hands Acts 14 : 23, we judge that the most clear way 
and rather to be chosen, and that a sufficient number should appear to discover 
a major part, the rest being silent. 

' Second, we advise ]Mr. Woodman according to the fourth commandment to 
attend diligently on the publick worship of God on the Lord's days avoiding 
otlence and evil e.vample in the contrary so far as bodily inffnnities will suffer 
him so to do. 

' Third, in reference to the reverend Mr. Woodbridsre we advise an<l entreat 
that whereas the peace and edification of the church of Christ is much promo- 
ted and depends upon the amicable close of spirit and united judgment, between 
the otHcers and brethren, the speaker and hearers, the enemy being viailant to 
take all advantages to hinder the gracious operation of the holy word of God in 
the pid)liek mini.stry thereof, and whereas there doth appear not only some 
hesitations, but distance in judgment in reference to <liscipliue aiul of allections 
and some other provoking words passed in publick in our hearing, we desire , 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. Ill 

request and advise the reverend Mr. Woodbrid^re, not to impose himself or his 
ministry (however otherwise desirable) upon this church, but that they have the 
liberty that Jesus Christ, gospel rule, and approved church order, doth allow 
them, to choose their own minister, that all obstruction to editication and ground 
to temptation may be removed, as was intimated was the mind of the former 
council, but to wait to see the mind of God in the issue of the reconciliation of 
the church, if God shall guide their hearts to closing with him. 

' Fourth, we advise that hereafter ecclesiastical offences be not too suddenly 
brought to civil courts without consulting with churches being contrary as we 
judge to 2 Colo.ssians 5, 6, 7. 

' Considering the great age and weakness of reverend Mr. Parker and thereby 
his unfitness to manage church discipline, we advise it as very suitable and 
seasonable to this church's case to choose a ruling elder or two, provided they 
be without just oflence to either party, for the healing this great breach and 
ofl'ences, that have brought so much dishonor to God, and the profession of the 
gospel, and been so destructive of the edification of this church and the people 
of this plantation. We do advise and most seriously exhort in the name of our 
Lord Jesus Christ unto these dutie.s, which the Lord requires of this church in 
such a case. 

' First, that this church be sincerely and deeply humbled before the Lord as 
for their divisions, distances and want of love in general, so also in particular 
for such failings and evils as we have before mentioned and that according to 
the nature and scandalou.sness of the evils any of them have fallen info, then 
that every one may know and acknowledge the plague of their own heart be- 
fore the Lord according to the rules of Christ Matthew 8 : 3, Revelations 3 : 5, 
repent and do the first works and as God shall open their hearts, shall confess 
to one another according- to James 5:16. 

' Second, we advise and exhort after due humiliation, there be a mutual, 
hearty and free forgiveness of each other according to the rules of Christ, if thy 
brother repent, forgive him even to seventy times seven. Matthew 8 : 22, 
Colossians 3 : 13 forbearing one another as God for Christ's sake forgave you 
Matthew 18: 15. 

' Third, we advise and exhort that this repentance may be manifested by all 
such acts of reformation and love as is suitable to the grace of true repentance, 
Matthew 3 : 8, bring therefore fruits meet for repentance, and that hereafter the 
■whole church walk according to the rule of faith, love and the order of the 
gospel, whereunto you latterly had a seasonable exhortation that soe peace and 
mercy may be upon you with the whole Israel of God.' 

' The court also ordered the following letter to be sent to the church of 
Newbury. 

'Reverend and beloved in our and your Lord. 

' By these we signify to you that we have received the 
retum of the within messengers of churches, elders and brethren of their trav- 
ail and pains with you in pursuance of their churches' call upon our desire. 
Upon reading and considering their result, we have passed our approbation of 
the counsel therein given unto you, as suitable to your case, which we remit to 
you with these. And although we might enjoin you. yet for love's sake we 
beseech you and every one of you as you are concerned therein, pastor and 
people, preacher and hearers, however before divided, that yon jointly attend to 
the counsel so given you, that we may say of you that though for some time you 
have been unprofitable one to another, yet now you are become profitable again 
as in former times, and that the churches of our Lord Josus Christ which have 
been saddened by your divisions and contentions, may have cause to rejoice in 
and before the Lord on your behalf and the name of the Lord, that hath been 
dishonored may be honored by your mutual putting forth such acts of faith and 
repentance as may reach to the recovering of your peace with the Lord and with 
one another that so you may be found in the more excellent way of charity mani- 
festing yourselves unto all men that you are Christ's disciples by loving one an- 
other. Our just expectation is that you delay not in this great concern, but that 
3'ou apply every one in your respective places mito the furtherance thereof 



112 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Should there be a failure of you or any of you therein (which the Lord forbid) 
you may not think but that we shall be necessitated to advise what further 
course is to be taken acoordinir to God that contentions may be removed and 
peace restored among you. Thus we commend you to the Lord and to the 
word of his grace.' 

By the court, 

Edward R.\wson, Secretary. 
' To the reverend Thomas Parker, 
pastor of the church in Newbury, to be com- 
municated to the church there.' 

1 shall here give one more extract from the general court records, 
and relieve the patience of the reader. It is the last notice that 1 
have been able to find on the subject in any record whatever. 

'October Hth, lfiT2. Whereas tliere hath been a complaint exhibited to this 
court by many of Newbury, whereby it is evident that the council agreed to and 
sent in May last to be attended to by them hath not been so attended as the 
court e.vpected, and for that the persons moie especially informed against, as ob- 
structing the same have not, appeared personally before the court that they 
might answer for themselves, this court doth further commend the said advice 
unto them to be attended by both parties, professing their readiness there to and 
that the distemper of their contentions may not obstruct in the manner of their 
coming to the understandina; of themselves and one another therein this court 
doth appoint Mr. Thomas Danforth, Mr. William Stoughton, Mr. Urian Oakes, 
doctor Leonaid Hoar, captain Thomas Clarke, Mr. Henry Bartholomew, Mr. 
John Elliot and Mr. Joshua Moody as a committee and that the major part of 
the whole meeting there shall be a rpiorum, who are to repair to Newbury and 
call both parties together and persuade with them to attend the same in love and 
christian submission one to another according to God and in case there shall appear 
any refractoriness in any amongst them that the persons so sent cannot prevail 
with them that they then make return to the next court of election what tliey 
find and do therein.' 

To some of my readers the following transcript from the county 
court files in Salem, may be interesting. 

' I Ann Hills, sometime servant to Abr.aham Toppan. testify that Abraham 
Toppan did make sundry voyages to the Barbadoes, of which one or two were 
profitable, the produce being brought home in sugars, cotton wool and molasses, 
which were then commodities, rendering great profit, wool beins then at twelve 
pence, sugar at six or eight pence per pound profit, of which he brought great 
quantities. 

'Jacob Toppan testifieth that the last voyage from Barbadoes above mentioned 
he brought home eight barrels and one hogshead of sugar and two or three thou- 
sand pounds of cotton wool.' 

Testimonies taken in 1671. 

'April Isf, 1672, [old sfijlc] A great storme of driving snow 
came out of the north west and drove up in drifis about six feel 
deep. For the space of fourteen days [after] it was a sad lime of 
rain, not one whole fair day in fourteen and much damage done to 
mills and other things by the flood, wliicli followed.' ^ 

* Hampton records. 



HISTOKY OF NEWBURY. 113 



1673. 

'March 26fli. Tlip town was fined five pounds for neglect about 
Thorlay's bridge and ordered to make it passable for safe traveling, 
on penalty of ten pounds more. John Pearson of Rowley to see it 
madc! suliieienlly and to be done by midsummer,' and so forlli.* 

' Richaixl Kent is freed from trayning by paying fom- bushels of 
good mault to the use of the troop.' ^ 

September 2Ath. ' There was a storme of raine and snow so that 
the ground was covered with snow and some of it continued till the 
twenty-sixth.' j- 

JaiiHary 31 s<. A committee was chosen for building a house ' for 
the ministry of the same dimensions every way as Nathaniel Clai'k's 
is with the addition of a porch.' :j: ' It was also voted to lay out 
six acres of land behind captain Gemsh's house towards Trotter's 
bridge for the ministry.' J 

April IGfh. • The town voted that the minister's rate should be 
made every year in October, one half to be paid in English gi-ain 
as wheat, barley, rye and pease, the other half in Indian corn.' J 

Ju/i/ 5th. ' The selectmen ordered that John Webster shall pay 
ten shillings and Peter Toppan five shillings for cutting down trees 
on the land that is called the burying jilace.' J 

When the town of Newbury was first settled, large quantifies of 
sturgeon were taken from the rivers Mcrrimac and QuascaciuKpien, 
which were not only used and highly valued as an article of diet, 
but pickled and packed in kegs for ti'ansportation. 

Frequent allusions to this subject are made in the county and 
state records, old account books, and so forth. Thus Wood, who 
visited America in 1633, says, ' that much [sturgeon] is taken on ihe 
banks of the IMcrrimac, twelve, fomlcen, eighteen feet long, piclded 
and sent to England.' 

In 1656, ' a keg of sturgeon, ten shillings,' was among the charges 
for entertaining an ecclesiastical coimcil at Salisbury. In 1667, Is- 
rael Webster testified, ' that he carried twenty-two ferkins and kegs 
of sturgeon from William Thomas' cellar to send to Boston.' 

In 1670, Joseph Coker was licensed by the county court '1o make 
sturgeon in order to transport.' In 16S(), September twenty-eighth, 
the records of the county court inform us, that ' Thomas Rogers [of 
Newbury] is licensed to make sturgeon, provided he shall present 
the court with a bowle of good sturgeon every Michaelmas court.' 
In 1684, ' Caleb Moody and Daniel Pierce were licensed to boil 
sturgeon in order to a market.' In 1733, ca])tain Daniel Lunt of 
Newbury was ordered to sell his sturgeon in Iloston at twelve shil- 
lings per keg, ' if he could get no more.' In the same year, Mr. 
Daniel Pierce exchanged fifteen kegs of sturgeon for a small cask 
of rum, and a larke cask of molasses. 

* County records. t Hampton records. | Town records. 

15 



114 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

The following petition is copied from the original, now on file 
among the papers in the slate house, Boston. 

' To the lioiiored peneral pourt assembled at Boston May seventh, 1673. 

' The petition of William Thomas humbly shewing, 

' That your petitioner after sundry experiments, and travels into foreign coun- 
tries, upon great expence of his estate, hath through the blessing of God upon his 
industry herein, attayued unto the art of boyling and pickling of sturgeon, by 
means whereof it is a commoditie, not only in this oountrie, but in England and 
other parts for transjiovtation and increase of tratfi(iue for tlie procuring of goods 
more useful and needtul for this countrie, and may so continue and increase, if 
sundry persons, of other callings, unskilful in that mystery, who for lucre of 
monie and otlier sinister ends, presume to deal therein, shall not cause it to be 
debased and of no value for transportation, as indeed by that means it in part 
already is (as is known to sundry gentlemen and merchants of Boston) to the 
defamation of your aged petitioner, and damage of the countrie, who now in the 
seventy-fourth year of his pilgrimage, hath his whole dependance under God 
for the subsistence of his family upon that employment, who if he were not 
forestalled and circumvented by others miglit live comfortably, and also aliord 
some yearly revenue to the countrie, but some there are, that by hooke or crooke, 
for strong liquors or otherwise, that finger the lish taken for and by the Indians 
procured and employed by your petitioner, ami that oft times upon payments 
fore made for the same, and if he were not undermined and interrupted therein 
by interlopers and other unskilful persons, it might be benelicial both to him 
and the countrie. 

' His humble petition therefore is that henceforth no man be sullered to pickle 
or put upp any sturgeon for trade or traffique directly or imlirectly within this 
jurisdiction but such as by lawful authoritie shall be licensed thereto on certain 
penalties, as title, iimkeepers or otherwise aiul that there may be some skilful 
men impowered and sworn to search all such sturgeon as shall be packed or 
putt up in any kind of ve.ssels whatsoever, and to refuse all such as they .shall tind 
defective for transportation or continuance at least the year about. And such 
and such only shall be sufficient in all respects for tratfitjue as aforesaid to mark 
with the letters of tlieir and tlie sturgeon boiler's names. And that it may be 
lawful for any man knowing of any sturgeon put upp as for trade or traliiciue, 
that is not .so marked, to inform any searchers or constables, and that they may 
seize upon it as forfeited, one third to the informer, one third to the officer .seiz- 
ing, and the other third to the treasurer of the county where it shall be found. 
' And your petitioner farther humbly prayeth that he may be licensed for the 
counties of Esse.\ and Norfolk during his own ami his wife's life, being aged 
and altogether uucapable of any other way of subsistence or service in town or 
countrie, which favour being granted your petitioner will cheerfully pay to the 
treasury or otherwise as this honored court shall appoint either ten kegs of stur- 
geon yearly or every twentieth keg and firken by him made from time to time 
or the true value thereof at every year's eiul namely, the twenty-ninth of Sep- 
tember amuially, and as duty binds him shall daily pray and so forth. 

William Thomas. 
Newbury, May seventh, KJTS.' 

Of the result of this petition we are not informed. Probably it 
was not granted, as we find in 1674 that ' Peter Toppan w^as li- 
censed to make, boyl and sell sturgeon,' and William Chandler was 
appointed scarehor and sealer of sturgeon, by ihe eounty court. 

Drccmbcr 2(1, \67'S. ' A committee was chosen for the building 
of ]\Tr. [John] Ricliardson's house and to cany it on to the finishing 
of it.' * 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 115 

By this it appears that the town had determined to settle Mr. 
Richardson as their minister, thon^li he was not ordained till Octo- 
ber, 167r5. He probably eonmieneed preaching early in this year, 
and might have been instrnmental in settling the diilieiilties, which 
had agitated the church and town for more tlian a quarter of a cen- 
tury, as we hear of no diHiculty between the church and minister, 
subsequent to the autumn of 1672. The situation of tiie church 
and people of Newbiny, at the time of his arrival here, undoubtedly 
occasioned the j)eculiarity of his language in his conditions of set- 
tlement, which were : ' tirst, so long as the peoi)le of God here do 
continue in the profession of the true faith and peace of the gospel 
as in Acts 11 : 42 ; second, so long as I may have the liberty of my 
ministry among them ; and third, discharge my duty to my family. 
Thus I say I do express myself willing to settle among you with a 
true intention and a true aflection.' * 

' John Richardson.' 

' August fifteenth, 1675.' 

' The liberty of the ministry,' says the reverend doctor Popkin, 'is 
an expression frequently used in the histories of the )juriians : and 
appears to be opposite in signification to that restraint, under which 
they were held by ecclesiastical authority.' 

' Francis Thorlay was presented for striking his brother Thomas 
and flinging stones at him.' He was fined ten shillings and costs 
of court, f 

1674. 

' March 2d. It was voted that the finishing of the house for the 
ministry and the alteration of it is left to the selectmen.' J 

Marr/i 2Sf/i. ' It was voted that captain Gerrish, Mr. Daniel 
Pierce and Tristram Coflin should lay out the six acres formerly 
granted to build a house on and to make a pasture for the mainte- 
nance of the future ministiy, that part for the building of the house 
to be on the side next to captain Gemsh's orchard and the rest of 
the said six acres to be laid out next Richard Brown's pasture.' ."j: 

'December 6tli. Reverend .Tolm Richardson was admitted a 
member of the church in Newbury.' This is the earliest fact 
recorded in the church book, all the preceding transactions having 
been destroyed apjjarently by design. Until the settlement of Mr. 
Richardson the records are in the handwTiting of William Chandler. 

In the latter end of this year, a converted Indian, named John 
Sausaman, acquainted the governor of Plymouth that the profane 
Indians were plotting mischief againt the English, and expressed his 
apprehension that they would murder him. This apprehension was 
reahzed, as, before the close of the winter, he was mm-dered by 
three Indians, who were afterward tried and executed. 

* Church records. t County records. } Town records. 



116 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1675. 



March 1st. 'A committee of two was appoiiik-d to complete tlie 
finishing the ministry house and fencing about said house. Warn- 
ing was also given by the selectmen for every person to appear willi 
carts and oxen and hands, and tools suitable to bring stones and so 
I'orlli and every person not having oxen is to appear in person to 
help forward the work and so forth.' # 

April I'ith. ' It was voted that the piece of meadow above Mr. 
Sewall's farm, the meadow at Trotter's bridge, a piece at Lob's 
pound and two parcels of salt marsh about three acres near Pine 
island should be laid out to the ministry house for the use of iNIr. 
Richardson while he continues our minister, and so forth.'* 

Muij 1th. ' There was laid out to Richard Dole six rods and a 
quarter upon the point of land that lies between the two gutters, 
that come from the point of rocks neai- Watts' his cellar about tsvo 
rods in Ijreadlh bounded by ihe river on the north to about a foot 
upon the rock that is there on the south and three rods in length by 
the water side and so forth adjoyning to the former grant.' * 

This piece of laud was belvi'een the market house in Newbmyport 
and Rlr. George T. Granger's store. 

June. ISt/i. It was ordered tliat all non-freeliolders should ' pay 
for every horse going on the commons live shillings, for every neat 
beast two shillings and sixpence, for every score of sheep five shil- 
lings, for every swine twelve pence and ibr every load of wood two 
shillings and sixpence for the use of ihe lown.'* 

October 5t/i. The town voted that they would not i'ortify ' the 
meeting house, but voted that tliey would buy a couple of field pie- 
ces about seven or <'ight hundred apiece.'* 

October 20th. Reverend .John Richardson was ordained. Ilis 
salary was to be one hundred pounds a year. Each person was to 
pay ' his proportion as follow(-lh, one half in merchantable barley, 
the rest in merchantable pork, wheat, butter or Indian corn, or such 
])ay paid unto Mr. Richardson to his satisfaction, as every person 
may understand upon inquiry of Tristi-am Coffin,' who was chosen 
in April 'the town's attorney to gather JMr. Richardson's rales and 
in case the said Tristram Collin shall neglect his trust herein, he 
shall pay forty shillings fine to the selectmen.'* 

Nocember I2th. Henry Short was appointed schoolmaster. He 
is to have five pounds for the first half year and to have sixpence 
a week for every scholar. 

In the month of .Tune this year the three Indians were executed, 
who murdered .John Sausaman. On the twenty-fourth of .June was 
shed the first English blood, in what was afterward called Philip's 
war. On that day, nine Englishmen were murdered in Swanzy, by 
th(,' Indians, as they were returning from the meeting liouse, it being 

* Town reconls. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 117 

the day appointed as a day of humiliation and prayer throughout 
Flymoiitii eolony, who being thus unexpectedly involved in trouble, 
sent to the other colonies lor assistance. On June twenty-sLxth, 
soldiers marched from Boston to Plymouth. On the twealy-ninlh, 
a day of humiliation and prayer was appointed on account of the 
war. The men prest from Newbury, were as follows, namely : 

August 5th. Steven Greenleaf, Thomas Smitii, John Toppan, 
Caleb Richardson, Daniel Rolf, John llobbs, Daniel Button, John 
Wheeler, and Henry Bodwell, nine men and fourteen days' provis- 
ions. 

August 6lli. Seven more \\'ere prest and fourteen days' ])rovisions. 

August 27f.h. Seven men were prest, fourteen days' provisions, 
twenty-three horses, saddles, and bridles. 

September 23d. Two men and two days' provisions. 

Septeutbcr :27th. Five men, ten days' provisions, and twenty- 
three horses, saddles, and bridles, were pressed for the country's 
service. 

September 29th. Richard Ivent's man was pressed. 

December, 1675. Twenty-four men were pressed for the coun- 
try's service, being in all forty-eight men, and forty-six horses, for 
this year. 

The town expenses for this year were very great. 

The ministers rate was 103 pounds, 17 shillings, 1 penny. 

The expenses for the war, 457 " 18 " 8 pence. 

The town debt was 191 « 3 " 9 " 

Beside other expenses, not included in the above. 

At the battle fought December nineteenth, at the Indians' fort in 
NaiTaganset, ' four men were slayne,' of whom Daniel Rolfe was 
from jVewbury, and eighteen wounded, of whom Daniel Somerby, 
Isaac Ilsley, Jonathan Emery, "William Standley, and Jonathan 
Harvey were from Newbury. 

Daniel Somerby was the only son of Henry Somerby. Before 
he marched against the Indians he made his will, and soon after 
iiis return died of his wounds. 



1676. 

Janiiarij 2d. Thirteen men were impressed. 

June 9lh. Town voted to purcliase a barrel of powder and fif- 
teen hundred flints. 

June 21st. The town appointed Henry Short ' to keep school for 
this year, from the first of May last, to the fii-st of May iie.xt, and 
the selectmen engage to pay him ten pounds out of the next town 
rate, and if the number be about twenty scholars, he is to teach 
them at the watch house."* 

Henry Short taught the gi-ammar school. In his old note book 

* Town records. 



118 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

I find tho following account of scholars, commencing llins : 'when 
I kept school at home and the time they [the scholars] came.' Here 
follow the names of seventeen scholars, from May tenth to Decem- 
ber twenty-fifth. 

The following extract from the colonial records presents to the 
reader as lively a picture of the anxiety and distress among the 
])eople of Massachusetts, occasioned liy the bold and daring deter- 
mination of king Philip and his Indian allies to extirpate the Eng- 
lish, as can well be imagined. The proposition to erect a fortifica- 
tion of such a length and height, shows the desperation, to which 
they were reduced, and the dangers to which they fell exposed. 

' At a court held in Boston March twenly-thircl, lfi76. 

' Whereas several considerable persons liave made application to ns and pro- 
posed it as a necessary expedient lor the publick welfare and particidarly for 
the security of the whole county of Essex and part of Middlesex from inroads of 
the common enemy, that a line or fence of stockades or stones (as the matter 
best suiteth) be made about eii^ht feet high extending from Charles river where 
it is navisjable unto Concord river from Georjre Farley's house, in Billerica, which 
fence the council is informed is not in length above twelve miles, a good part 
whereof is already done by large ponds that will conveniently fall into the line 
and so forth, and so forth, by which means the wliole tract will be environed 
for the security and safety (under God) of the people, their houses, goods and 
cattel from the rage and fury of the enemy.' 

The court then orders one aljle and fit man from each of the 
included towns to meet at Cambridge on March thirty-first, to sur- 
vey the ground, estimate the expense, and so forth, and so forth, and 
bring their report in writing how it may be prosecuted and effected, 
what each town should pay, and so forth. 

Nearly all the towns made a report. 

That from Newbury is as follows, namely : 

' At a meeting of the selectmen of Newbury INIarch 1(575-6. 
' We having taken it into consideration what the honored council hath pro- 
pounded luito us as to the fortifying from Merrimack river and so to Charlestown 
river, we conceive it not feasible nor answering the end propounded, but leave 
it to the consideration of wiser than ourselves, conceiving tins to be diflicult 
in doing it or mayntaining it when done, but rather think it will most conduce 
to our safety to have a suiiicient company of men that may range to and fro as our 
honored council judge meet. We have ordered several houses to be garrisoned 
and fortilied and men appointed and are about fortifying with a mile or some- 
what more from river to river most of our plow lands and houses, if men will 
own our power (as we hope will be) with their own and our endeavours to com- 
pleate our trust. 

William Grrrish, Steven Greenleaf, 
William Titcomb, Peter Cheney, 
Benjamin Rqlfe, Francis Plumer, 

Selectmen. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 119 



1677. 



March 5th. ' Captain [Paul] While proposed for about a rod of 
land at the hanging of the hill before his still house in the street.' * 

' Marehant [Richard] Dole proposed for liberty to build a dock 
about Walts his cellar, and as many of ihe town as were willing to 
help him about it, he will accept of their help.' * 

March 27th. At the county court at Salem, 'Joshua Richardson, 
Caleb Richardson, and Edward Ordway were sentenced lo be 
severely wliipt or pay a fine of ten pounds each, for breaking into 
the meeting house, demolishing a jiew ciiairs and so forlh.' 

It appears by the town records that the selectmen had granted 
permission to several young women to build ' a new seat in the south 
corner of the women's gallery.' 

This pew or new seat, from some now unlcnown cause, excited 
the indignation or anger of these young men, who, having demol- 
ished the seat, chairs, and so forlh, were tried, convicted, and 
senlenced. 

The following testimonies in the case are copied from the files of 
the county court in Salem. 

' Testimony of aged forty-five years. 

' I dow testify consaming the [mischief] att the metincr hows that the meting 
hows windowse weare bvocken open severall times and (he, dore was dabid 
with a sarrowans and the ceay holl [key hole] dabid allso. There was a sar- 
rowans pnle in the corne, which was pute in the meting hows lowft for safety, 
which was in a cask in the chamlsear.' 

' I dow testify that I saw Joshua Richardson uppon Wensday the -wery next 
day after the pue or new seate was brocken doun the last of January last past. 
I on pui-pos towck wery good notis of him and to my onderstanding he did goo 
ass weall att that time ass hee youste to dne att otlier times, without any limp- 
ing or a going lambe that I could perseaif.' 

Another testimony declares, that the window was fastened with 
' tow hapsis,' and that the ' glass was broken in jjessis.' 

April 22d. Seventy-six of the principal inhabitants of Newbury 
petitioned the court to mitigate their fines. 

' We do not know,' say they, ' that any of the young men have 
been detected of open crimes, have been diligent and laborious to 
promote and support their parents, who stand in need of their help, 
they have endured hardships and adventured their lives and limbs 
for their country, they have openly, ingenuously and solemnly made 
acknowledgment of tlieir offence before many assembled to that 
end,' and so forth, and so forth. 

April 24f.h. Reverend Thomas Parker died. 

Captain William Gerrish was ordered, April fifteenth, by major 
general D. Denison to march to Salisbury with forty of his best 
men, well armed, and so forth, and again, May first, with twenty 
men to Portsmouth. Expenses were five hundred pounds. 

* Town records. 



120 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Judge Sowall, in liis diary, under date of Jnly eiglith, 1677, has 
the following. 'A female quaicer [Margaret Brewster] in sermon 
time came in a canvass frock, her hair dishevelled, loose like a peri- 
wigg, her face as black as ink, led by two other quakers, and two 
other quakers followed. It occasioned the gi-eatest and most ama- 
zing uproar that ever I saw.' She had previously taken off her 
stockings and shoes, and left them in the porch of th(^ meeting-house,* 
under the care of John Easton, son of Nicholas Easton, formerly 
of Newbury. John was afterward governor of Rhode Island. 

September 2\st. The town desired captain Gerrish to propose to 
'Ipswich court that Thomas Thorla's ordinary may l)e )7Ut dowii.'t 

The town chose a committee ' to hire a schoolmaster,' and 
voted to give him twenty pounds a year ' for encouragement besides 
what they shall agree upon for the children that shall come to school 
to him.' f 

From an old account book I learn that this year turnips and ap- 
ples were a shilling a bushel, a day's mowing, two shillings and two 
pence, men's wages for a year ten pounds, women's wages from 
four to five pounds, board four shillings per week, and labor two 
shillings a day. 

Thanksgiving, November third, on account of a jilentifid harvest 
and a cessation of the ^vTath and rage of the cnemv. 



1 6 7 S . 

March Ath. 'Concerning iMiilding of a dock, it was granled, 
provided that all boats that belong to the town shall have i'ree liberty 
of egresse and regress to lie there as occasion nray serve.' f 

This was probably the dock for which Richard Dole petitioned, 
as in September 'a committee was chosen to conclude the business 
between marehant Dole and the town aboiU his dock.' 

Se])frml)cr 20fli. The committee appointed for that purpose laid 
out ' to Richard Dole senior a parcel of land lying near Watts his 
cellar, where he is iioie hiii/datg- a ifharf and dock' three rods broad 
from the east side of the west gutter to a stake near to the great 
rock with the flats adjoining thereto excepting two rods in bn-adth 
upon the easterly point of upland, wliich is to lie lor a perpetual 
high way for the town's use lo thi- doik tor to unlade iiay, wood, 
timber, boards, or any thing else, \\hieh is jiroduceil in or upon the 
river, it not being imporled from or exported to the sea. We also 
do grant the town's title, right and interest to the ])o;nl of land on the 
iiorlherlv side thereof, which is conimonlv known by the name of 
captain Wliili''s point and so lorlli and llie s:iid Dole is to set a 
wharf against lh;' two rod thai is appoinled for a way ior the town's 
wse.' f 

November 22d. Town voted to continue the ' twenty pounds a 

* Old Soulli, Boslnii. t Town rooovds. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 121 

year to the schoolmaster,' and ' that Mr. Richardson, so long as he 
carries on the whole work of the ministry among us, shall have 
twenty pounds a year added or two conUibulions, which he pleases 
to accept.' # 

December 22(1. Town voted that ' Thorlay's bridge should be 
built at the town's chai-ge as the court gave them liberty-' * 

'Judith Thorla was tined for selling liquor to the Indians on the 
Lord's day.' 

In this year a new brick building w^as erected at Cambridge as a 
college building. It was erected by subscription. Newbury gave 
thirty-three pounds and three siiilliiigs. Rowley forty-five pounds, 
and Ipswich eighty pounds. 

November 12th. The town granted to John Emery, junior, twelve 
acres of land, begiiming at Artichoke river, on condition that he 
build a grist mill. 

November 261/). In answer to a petition of the selectmen, New- 
bury was allowed to build a firm and safe ' bridge.' * The toll ' a 
penny for a man and three pence for a horse.' 

' The \\-ife of John Davis of Lynn was presented for breaking her 
husband's head with a quart pot and otherways abusing him.' 

This year all persons over sixteen years of age were required to 
take the oath of allegiance. A list of their names from every town 
in the county of Essex is in the county records. Thai of Newbury 
contains the names of two hundred and thirtv-six persons, with their 
ages affixed by Mr. John Woodbridge, who administered the oath 
in September. In no other list ai-e the ages given. 



1679. 

3Tarch 3d. ' The town granted to .lohn Emery junior twelve 
acres of land on the west side of Artichoke river provided he build 
and maintain a corn mill to gi'ind the town's corn from time to time 
and to build it within one year and a half after the date hereof and 
so forth.' * 

In compliance with the law tlie selectmen chose fourteen tylhing 
men, each of whom had a sp(>cific duty to do respecting a designa- 
ted number of families, generally ten, all living in the same neigh- 
borhood, and classed by the selectmen. After making the arrange- 
ment, they sent a note to each of the tything men, informing them of 
their appointment, and of the families committed to their care. A 
copy of one of these notes, found among the papers of the late 
deacon Abraham Merrill, is here subjoined. 

' To deacon Abraham Merrill. 

' At a meeting of the selectmen March thirty-first, lfi79. 

' You are hereby required to take notice that you are chosen accorjins to 
court order by the selectmen to bee a tithing man to have inspection into and 

* Town records. 

16 



122 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

look over these familes that they attend the piiblick -worship of God, and do not 
break the suhbatli, and fnither you are to attend as the comt order dechires. 

' The names of the families are Edward Woodman junior, Samnel Bartlet, 
Richard Bartlet, Abel Pilsbury, John Stevens, Christopher Bartlet, Thomas 
Chase, goodman Bailey, John Chase. 

By order of the selectmen. 
Anthony Somerbt, Recorder.' 

May 2\st. A committee of twelve men was appointed, ' to con- 
sult of a way for dividing of the upper commons if it be possible 
so to agree that the town may like of it." * 

Man ~8i//. The selectmen petitioned to the general court respect- 
ing Plum island, in which they say that the inhabitants ' of Rowley 
having sold their parts to several of Newbury and some of Ipswic'h, 
so that the whole island now is in the occupation of the inlialiitants 
of Ipswich and Newbury, who make improvement by cutting the 
grass, and some of Ipswich by planting some small parcels thereof, 
and by reason of the impossibility to part the island by fencing, and 
the proprietors of Ipswich by reason thereof finding themselves 
much damnified in that then- marshes were trodden to dirt and al- 
most uttedy spoiled by a miiUltiiilc of liorses and othrr rattJe put 
thereon hi] Ihoxc of Neirbiiri/ in the ipinler to live of jr/iiit t/icij ran 
get and suffered there to continue tilt the middle of 3Iaij, if not lon- 
ger which will unavoidably (as experience hath taught us) be the 
ruin and utter destruction of the whole island, the horses and cattle 
eating up the grass, that grows ujion the sand hills, which gives a 
stop to the running of the sands in stormy weather, which other- 
wise would iu a very short space cover all the marshes, as we have 
found at Castle neck. Wherefore we beseech this honored court to 
prohibit the putting or going of any horses, cattle and so lorth u]ion 
the said island and so forth and so forth.' 

August '29?/i. ' Town voted to new clapboard and repair the 
minister's; hoiise, and dig a well.' * 

December 2Alh. Rlr. Daniel Davison proposed to have 'liberty to 
make a building dock about Watts his cellar.' * 

This year is rendered memoralile by the commencement of the 
only recorded case of supposed witclicraft, in Nev/bviry, that was 
ever subjected to a legal investigation. The principal sufi'erer in 
this tragi-comedy, for so it might well be called, ^\•as Elizabeth 
Morse, who, with her husband, William JVIorse, a slioemaker, resided 
in a house, still standing, at the head of Market street, in [now] 
Newburyport. He was then sixty-five years of age, and is said to 
have been a very worthy, but credulous, unsus])ec1iug man, and 
consequently a very easy dupe to the imi)ositions practiced upon 
him. Not suspecting any di-ceplion, the good man readily attriliuled 
all his troubles and afliiclions to the supernalural agency of witch- 
craft, instead of watching the actions of those around liiiii, especially 
of a roguish grandson, who lived with him. At that lime, especially, 

* Town reconRi. 



HISTORY OF NEWBt'RY. 123 

a belief in ^vitehcl•aft was almost universal, and afforded a ready 
solution of every thing strange and unintelligible. No one appears 
to have suspected the boy as the author of any part of the miscliief, 
except one Caleb Powell. Believing from what he had seen, that 
the whole affair was the result of human agency, with nothing 
supernatural or marvelous about it, lie informed goodman Morse 
that he believed he could ascertain tlie cause of his trouble, and 
develop the whole mystery. Tlie better to conceal his purpose, he 
affected, as will be hereafter seen, to have a knowledge of astrology 
and astronomy, and if he only had another learned man, and said 
Morsels grandson with /dm, the whole truth would come to light. 
The consequence was, that suspicions of witchcraft, and of dealing 
in the black art, fell upon him. He was accused, tried, and narrowly 
escaped ^\'ith his life, thus affording another proof of the danger 
arising to any person, in being, or pretending to be, wiser than liis 
neighbors. 

That the whole affair may be understood, the evidence, and so 
forth, taken from the court records in Salem, is here subjoined. 

December 3;?, 1679. 'Caleb Powell beinir complained of for suspicion of 
■working with the devill to the molesting of William Morse and his family, was 
by warrant directed to the constable, bronght in by him. the accusations and 
testimonies were read and the complaint respited till the Monday following.' 

December ?,th,-Monday. ' Caleb Powell appeared according to order and farther 
testimony produced against him by William Morse, which being read and con- 
sidered, it was determined that the said William Morse should present the case 
against Caleb Powell at the county court to be held at Ip.swich the last Tuesday 
in March following and in order hereunto William Morse acknowledseth him- 
self indebted to the treasurer of the county of E.ssex the full summe of twenty 
pounds. 

'The condition of this obligation is that the sayd William Morse shall prose- 
cute his complaint against Caleb Powell at that time. 

' Caleb Powell was delivered as a prisoner to the constable till he find security 
of twenty pounds for the answering of the sayd complaint, or else he was to be 
cast into prison. 

John Woodbridge, Commissioner.' 

The following is a specimen of the testimony against him. 

' John Badger affirmeth that Caleb Powell said that he thought by Astrologie, 
and I think he said by Astronomie too with it he could find out whether or no 
there were diabolicall means used about the said Morse his trouble, and that the 
said Caleb said bee thought to try to find it out.' 

Anthony Morseh testimony. 

' I Anthony Mors ocationlly being alt my brother Morse's hous, my brother 
showed me a pece of a brick, which had several tims come down the chimne. 
I sittins in the cornar towck the pece of brik in my hand. Within a littell spas 
of tiem the pece of brik was gon from me I know not by what meanes. Quickly 
aftar, the pece of brik came down the chimne. ALso in the chirany comar I 
saw a hamar on the ground. Their being no person near the hamar it was sod- 
enly gone ; by what meains I know not, but within a littell spas after, the hamar 
came down the chimny, and within a littell spas of tiem aftar that, came a pece 



124 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

of wouii, about a fute louriL:, and within a littell after that came dowTi a fiar 
brend, the (iar beini; out. This was about ten deays agoo. 
Newbury December eighth, 1679. 

Taken on oath December eighth, 1679 before me 
John Woodbridge, Commissioner.' 

Dcremhcr 5th, 1679. 'The testimony of WilHam Mors and his wife, which 
they both saw one last Tliursday night my wife and I being in bed we heard a 
great noies against the ruf with stekes ajid stones throwing against the hous 
with great vialan.se whereupon I myselfe Vose and my wife and saw not anny 
body, but was forsed to retunie into tire house againe, the stones being thrown 
so vilantly aganst us we gooing to bed againe and the same noies in the hus we 
Lock the dore againe fast and about midnight we heard a grete nayes of A hoge 
in the house and I aros and found a grete hose in the huse and the dore being 
shut. I opened the dore the hoge running vileiitly out. The next mornina a 
Stek of Lenkes hanging in the Chemney fast I saw Com Down vilintly and not 
anny body ner to them and Jumped up upon A Chaire before the lire ; I hanged 
them up again and they Com down again into the tire. The next day I had an 
Anle in the window, which wa? taken away I know not how and Com Dune 
the chimney. I take the same ale ajid put into a Cubard and fasened the Dore. 
The same ale Com Down 3 or 4 times. We had a basket in the Chamber Com 
Doun the Chemney. I tooke it up myselfe and laide it before me, it was Sud- 
inly taken away I know not how and Com dune the Chimney againe. I then 
took a brick and put into it and said it shold cary that away, if it ded goo up 
acaine. It was taken,away I know not how and Com dune the Chemney and 
the brick a Letel after it. One Saturday next Com stekes on Light fire dune 
Chimney ami stones, and then my awls taken away from me 4 times as I used 
them and Com Douen rhe Chemney 4 times. INIy nailes in a cover of A ferkin 
Com douen the Chemney againe. The dore being Locked I heard a hoge in 
the house I let alone until day and found it to bee one of my owne, willing to 
goo out. The next day being Sabath Stekes and siones were thrown viliantly 
[down] the Chemney. One jMundav next jMr. Richeson and annother saw many 
things. I sent my boy to se if nothing was amis in my barne. I not being 
abel to tey my Catel up to niyhtes but stel beina: untied with many other strange 
thinges, the frame being thrown Downe upon the boy : We all run out to help 
him in. 

' When we Com in we saw a Coten whele turned with the Leges upward and 
many thinges set up on it as a Stale and a Spade Lick the form of a ship. 
Potes hanging over the fire Dashing one against the other I being forsed to 
unhang them. We saw A andiron dance up and dune many times and into a 
pot and out againe up atop of a tabal, the pot turning over and Speling all in it. 
I saw a tube turn over with the hop (ling of it. I sending my boy to fech my 
toles, which I doe mak Ropes with, so soone as the dore being opened thay 
Com viliantly Donne of themselves. Againe a tub of bred Com dune from a 
Shelufe and turned over. My wife went to make the bed the Clothes Ded tly of 
many times of themselves, and a Chest open and Shut and Dores fli together. 
Mv wife goinir into the Seler ihiuiros tumbling dune and the dore Ifing together 
vialintly. I being at prayer my bed being Cufred with A Cloth A Chaire did 
often times bow to me and then Strike me on the side. My wife Com out of 
the other rome A wege of bon being thiowu at her, and A spade, but [did] not 
rech her, and A stone, which hurt her nnich, I seting by the fire with my wife 
and to more neighbours with us A stone; Struk aaainst the Lampe and struk it 
out many times, and a shoo, which we saw in Chaud>er before Com doune the 
Chernnev the Dore beinu' shut and struk me A blow one the hed, which ded 
much hurte. A mate of A ship Coming otten to me and said he much grefed 
for me and said the boye was the cas(; of all my truble and my wife was much 
Rouged, and was no wich. and if I would let lum have the boye but one day 
he would warrant me no more truble. I being persuaded to it he Com the nex 
day at the brek of da} , anil the hoi/ tons icitJi kivi unlid iit<j-ht and I had not any 
truble since.' 

Tlie pruccding testimony Ls in ihc liaiidwriliDg of William Morse. 



HISTORY OF NEWBUKY. 125 



1680. 

Januarj/ 5th. ' The town gi-anted liberty to ensign [Stephen] Green- 
leaf and Mr. [Daniel] Davison to build a wharf at the point of rocks 
above Watts his cellar, to be threescore feet in front at high waler mark 
and so down to low water mark, provided the inhabitants of the town 
shall have liberty to land wood or hay or other goods so that the said 
goods be not above twenty-four hours, neither at any time to do them 
damage.' * 

At the same meeting Nathaniel Clarke, doctor John Dole, Rich- 
ard Dole, Benjamin Rolf, and Robert Coker in ' the behalf of his 
son Benjamin Coker, each proposed for a place to make a wharfe.'* 

Febniury 6lh. 'Joseph Pike was chosen to gather the rest of the 
contribution for the college.' * 

JIarc/t 1st. The town granted to Nathaniel Clarke a parcel of 
the flats on the southeast of the point ' of rocks, that was granted to 
captain White provided it be done within three years.' * 

The town also voted to grant the proposition of ' Benjamin Rolf, 
doctor John Dole and Richard Dole for four or five rods on the flats 
from Watts cellar spring to ensign Greenleaf's for a place to build 
a wharf and a place to build vessels upon ])rovided they come not 
within ten or twelve feet of the spring and make up said wharf 
within three years' and so forth.* 

3Iarch 2ith. Sixteen tithing men were chosen.* 

At the March term at Ipswich court the following additional tes- 
timony was produced in the case of Caleb Powell, taken February 
twenty-seventh, 16S0. 

' Sarah Hale aged thirtj--three and Joseph IMirick testify that Joseph Moores 
hath ofteij said in their hearing that if there were any wizards, he was sure 
Caleb Powell was one.' 

Note. This Joseph Moores was the boatswain of the ship, of which Caleb Powell 
was relate, and Joseph Dole, captain. 

' Deposition of Mary Tucker aged about twenty. 

' She remembereth that Caleb Powell came into their house and sayd to this 
purpose that he coming to William Morse his house and the old man being at 
prayer he thought not tit to go in, but looked in at the window and he sayd he 
had broken the inchantment. for he saw the boy play tricks while he was at 
prayer and mentionsd some and among the rest that he saw him to fling the shooe 
at the old maws head.' 

The court, after reading all the testimony that could be produced 
against Caleb Powell, came to the following conclusion. 

' Upon hearing the complaint brought to this court against Caleb Powell for 
suspicion of working by the devill to the molesting of the family of William 
Morse of Newbury, though this court cannot find any evident ground of pro- 
ceeding farther against the sayd Powell, yett we determine that he hath given 

* Town records. 



126 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

such ground of suspicion of his so dealing tliat we cannot so acquit him but 
that he jiisthj deserves to hcarc hia owne shame and the costs of prosecution of the 
complaint.' 

' It is referred to Mr. Woodbridge to hear and determine the charges.' 

The court at this time must have been men of profound wisdom 
and accurate discrimination, as they appear to have determined, first, 
that he was just guilty enough to pay the expense of being suspect- 
ed, secondly, that he ought ' to bear his owne shame,' and, thirdly, that 
they had no reason to believe that he was guilty at all. This some- 
what resembles the case, wliich is not found in the books, where A. 
sues B. for breaiving a borrowed kettle. The defence was, ' first we 
never had the kettle, secondly, it was broken when we borrowed it, 
and thirdly, it was whole when we returned it.' 

Tlie people, however, were not so lenient as the judges. If Ca- 
leb Powell was innocent, some other person must be guilty of ' be- 
ing instigated by the divil,' for, in their oi)inion, no agency merely 
human could produce ellects so strange and unaccountable. They 
accordingly selected Elizabeth ftlorse, the wife of William Morse, 
as the guilty person, as we shall hereafter see. 

Ajiril ISfJi. ' In answer to the proposition of Ipswich inhabitants 
to jirohibit all sorts of cattle from going any more on Plum island 
winter or summer, tlie town's conclusion is that they do not consent 
to such an act.' * 

31(11/ V7th. ' The towir granted Mr. Richardson twenty pounds in 
money, and forty pounds in other pay, to build an addition to the 
ministry house, and so forth.' ^ 

Mctji 19///. On petition of some of the inhabitants ' of Newbury 
the selectmen were aiTthorised to raise by way of rate sixty pounds 
per annum to be to the use of the schoolmaster tliere.' * 

June 28tli. Governor Bradstreet thus writes to England. ' The 
principal townes of trade within our government are Boston, 
Charlcstown and Salem. Some little trade there is for country 
people at Ipswich, Newbury and so forth. 

' The number of merchants in the colony is nearly forty, and 
about one hundred or one himth-ed and twenty ships, sloops, ketches 
and other vessels.' 

' At a court of assistants on adjournment held at Boston May twentieth 1680. 

' The grand Jury presenting Elizabeth, wife of William Morse senior. She 
was indicted by the name of Elizabeth Morse for that she not having the fear 
of <i()(l before her eyes, being instigateil by the Divil and had familiarity with 
the Divil contrary to the peace of our sovereign lord the king, his crown and 
dignity, the laws of God, and of this jurisdiction, after the prisoner was at the 
barr and pleaded not guilty, and put herself on God and tlie country for triall, 
the evidences beina- produced were read and committed to the jury. 

'The jury brought in their verdict. They fouuil Elizabeth INIorse, the 
prisoner at the barr, guilty according to indictment. The governor on the 
twenty-seventh of May after ye lecture pronounced ye sentence. 

'Elizabetli Morse, you are to goe from hence to the place from whence you 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 127 

came and thence to the place of execntion and there to be hanged by the neck, 
till you be dead, and the Lord have niercv on your soul. 

"The court was adjourned diem per diem and on the first of June 1680 the 
governor and magistrates voted the reprieving of Elizabeth Morse condemned 
to the next session of tke court in October as attests. 

Edw.\rd Rawson, Secretary.' 

It appears from the record, that the reprieve was not agreeable to 
the deputies, who, on assenibUiig in November, thus complain : 

'The deputies on perusal of the acts of the honorable court of assistants 
relating to the woman condemned for witchcraft doe not understand why exe- 
cution of the sentence given against her by said court is not executed and that 
her second repreevall seems to us to be beyond what the law will allow and 
doe therefore judge meete to declare ourselves against it with reference to the 
concurrence of our honored magistrates hereto. 

Wm. Torre y Cleric. 
November third, 1680. 

Not consented to by the magistrates. 
Edward Rawson, Secretary.' 

No record gives us any farther information concerning Elizabeth 
Morse this year. 

Aug-usl \Slh. ' The selectmen ordered that Anthony Morse 
should every sabbath day go or send his boy to Mr. Richardson 
and tell him when he is going to ring the last bell every meeting 
and for that service is to have ten shillings a year added 1o his 
former annuity.' ^ 

October 22d. ' It was agreed that Mr. Burly should keep school 
in the watch house.' * 

The Essex regiinent was divided into two, to be commanded by 
major N. Sallonstall, and major D. Denison. Newbury to have 
two companies, and Ipswich three. 

This year, Thorjas bridge was, on the petition of Rowley people, 
made a county bridge. 

168 1. 

The case of Elizabeth Morse, who had been reprieved by the gov- 
ernor, was again brought before the general court, to whom William 
Morse, her husband, sent two petitions, the one on Mfiy fourteenth, 
in the elegant handwriting of William Cliandler of Newbury, (he 
other on May eighteenth, in the handwTiling of major Robert Pike 
of Salisbury, w'ho was the next year chosen one of the assistants. 

His first petition is as follows. 

' To the honored general 1 court now sitting in Boston. 

'The humble petition of William Mors in behalfe of hi.s wife, Elizabeth 
Mors your distressed Prisoner, humbly begging this that you would be pleased 
to give your petitioner leave to present to your consideration what may clere up 
the truth in those evidences wch hath bin presented and what is otherwise as 
first. To Joseph Bayley his testimony. VVee are ignorant of any such thing. 

* Town records. 



123 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Had it bin then spoken of, we might have cleared ourselves. He mijht have 
observed some other as my wife, it being a frequent thing for Catle to be at a 
stand. 

' To Jonathan Haines. As to his Catle, or himselfe, not making good work 
at such a time, when Catle are haggled out, to place it on such account, yt his 
neglect in not bringing us a bow of mault was the cause, which had it bin spo- 
ken of wee might have given full satisfaction. 

' To Caleb Moody. As to what befell him in and about his not seeing my 
wife, yt his cow making no hast to hir calfe, wch wee are ianorant of, it being 
so long since, and lieiug in church communion with us. should have spoken of 
it like a christian and yn proceeded so as wee might have given an answer in 
less time yn tenn yeares. Wee are isnoranl yt he had a shepe so dyed. And 
his wife knowne to be a pretious godly whoman, yt hath oftne spoken to hir 
husband not to be so uncharitable and have and doe carry it like a christian 
with a due respect in hir carridge towards my wife all along. 

'To John Mighill. About ye loss of his catle was yt he came one day to 
worke, and would have had him come another day to finish it because ye raine 
came in so upon us, aud his not coming, judges my wife was angry and yrfore 
had such loss, wch wee never knew of. Tliis being twelve yeares agoe did 
amaze us now to here of it. 

' To Zachariah Davis. To sensure my wife now for not bringins' quills aboute 
sixteen yeares agoe yt his loss of calfes was for that, when his father being in 
oommunion with us did profess it to us yt he judged it a hand of God and was 
farr from blaming us but rather troubled his sonn should .so judae. 

' To Joshua Richarilson loosing a shepe aud his taking it forth off our yard, 
my wife should say you might have asked leave, and whether overdriving it or 
what, now to bring it in I hope will be considered. 

' To John March Te.st. He heard John Wells his wife say she saw imp o' God 
into said Mor.ss howse. She being prosecuted would not owne it and was ad- 
judged to pay damages, and now this is brouglit in. 

'To James Browiu.' Test, yt one day George Wheeler going forth, my wife 
should say for a tritle she knew he should not come in aaaine, which my wife 
knowes not of it. nor doth .some of ye owners ever remember such a thing as to 
judge or charge it on hir, but now is brouglr. f.)rth sixteen yeares after when his 
wife said to goody Hale yt said Browne was mistaken. Hir husband did come 
home well that voyage ; and that James Browne .should say to Robert Bedell yt 
yt Powell, whom wee sued did put in these words and not himselfe in the test 
and yt said Browne did oune to his uukle Mr. Nicholas Noyes yt he could not 
sware to such a test ; and diil refuse to doe it before Mr. John Woodbridge, and 
Mr. Woodbridge did admire he had sworne to it. And for his seeing my wife 
amongst troopers. What condition he might be in wee leave it to consideration. 
Wee are ignorant of such a thing till now brought in so many yeares agoe as 
he sailh. 

'Togoodwife Ordway. Hir child being long ill, my wife coming in and 
looking on it, pitting of it, did feare it would dy, and when it dyed Israeli Web- 
ster our next uei.'ihbour heard not a word of it, uor spoken of by others, nor any 
of ye family, but hir conceite, and now brought in. 

' As for VV'illiam Chandler's test, aboule his wife's loni; sickness and my 
wife's visiting hir, she through hir weakness acted uncivilly and yet now to 
bring in against my wife, when for so many yeares being in full communion 
with us never dealt with us aboute any such thing, but had as loving converse 
with him as christians ought, and knew no otherwise till now. 

' To widow Goodwin hir having hir (diild sick, gave forth yt it was bewitched 
by my wife, as she thought ; wee hearing of it dealt with hir aboute it, and she 
brake fortli in teares, craving forgiveness, and s.aid it was others put hir upon it 
to say as .she did, but now lu'ged by Powell to say as she now saith. 

' To John Chase so sayina' yt he saw my wife in the night coming in at a little 
hole, and ye like, when he himselfe hath said he did not know but he was in a 
drearae, and yt unto several persons he hath so said, though now as he test., 
when my wife disowns any such thing. 

' To John Gladiua yt saw lialfe of my wife about two a clocke in ye day time, 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 129 

if so. might then have spoken, and not reserved for so lona; a time, which she 
utterly denies it, nor know of any such thing, where she should be at yt time 
as to clere hir selfe. 

' To William Fanning should say my boy said the devill was at his howse. 
Upon Fanning's saying to the boy ye devill was at their howse, and he 
would have me chide ye boy, which I tould said Fanning ye boy might be 
instructed to know ye devill was everv where though not as at our howse, and 
should not in time of alfiiction upbraid him to our griefe. 

' To Jonathan Woodman, seeing a catt, and so forth, he struck at it, and 
it vanisht away and I sending for doctor Dole to see a bruise my wife had by 
the fall of a peece reching downe some bacan in our chimly, which was many 
days before this time, as doctor Dole atlirms it was no green wourid, though 
neglected to send for said Dole till then. 

' To Benjamin Lowle about my boy's ketching a pidgin ; my boy desired of 
me to see to ketch a pidgin, by throwing a stone, or ye like, and he brought a 
pidgin, which I alKrm was wounded, thoush alive. 

' To goodwife INIiricke about a letter. My wife telling her somewhat of ye 
letter, which she judges could not be and my wife hearing of it there was a 
discourse and so forth aboute this love letter, might speake something about it by 
guess, and not by any such way as she judged, and many have spoken, guess- 
ing at things, which might be. 

' As to our troubles in ye howse it hath bin dreddfull, and afflictive and to 
say it ceased upon hir departure, when it ceased before for a time and after she 
was gone there was trouble againe. 

' As to rumors of some great wickedness committed in ye house, which should 
cause ye divill so to trouble us, our conscience is clere of ye knowledge of any 
such thing more than our common frailtyes and I reverence the holy sourainty 
of God in laying such atfliotion on us, and that God's servants may be so atttic- 
ted in this manner as hath bin knowne. And that Mr. Wilson of Ipswich, 
where she hath bin twenty-eight weekes, did declare to me yt my wife's con- 
versation was christian-like as far as he observed. Thus praying for you in 
this and all other your concernes, am your distressed servant. 

William Morse. 

Newbury INIay fourteenth 1G81.' 

From the preceding petition of William Morse, and his attempted 
answers to the accusations and charges brought against his wife 
Elizabeth, and sent to the general court, it appears that seventeen 
persons had given in thehr testimony in ^vriting, stating their reasons 
why they verily believed goody Morse was really a witch, and ought 
to be hung, according to the old Rlosaic law, which says, 'thou shall 
not suffer a witch to live.' Of these testimonies only one is to be 
found on the files of the general court. If this one is a fair speci- 
men of the whole, the loss of the remainder is not greatly to be 
regretted, except as a specimen of the logic of that day, and of the 
manner in which some of our ancestors stated their premises, and 
drew thence their most profound conclusions. It is here presented 
entire, and if it docs not most conclusively prove that Elizabeth 
Morse was guilty of witchcraft, and ought not 1o have been suffered 
to live, it will only furnish another evidence that belief and demon- 
stration are not identical, and that what is sincerely believed is not 
for that reason always true. Zechariah Davis thus testifies verbatim 
and literatim. 

'When I lived at Salisbury, William Morses' wife asked of me whether I 
could let her have a small passell of winges and I told her I woode, so she 
17 



130 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

would have me bring them over for her the next time I came over, but I came 
over and did not think of the winges, but met goody Morse, she asked me 
whether I had brought over her winges and I tel her no I did not thinke of it, 
so I came 3 ore 4 times and had them in my minde a litel before I came over 
but stil forget them at my coming away so meting with her every time tliat I 
came over witliout them aftar I had promised her tlie winges, soe she tel me 
she wonder at it that my memory should be soe bad, but when I came home I 
went to the barne and there was 3 cafes in a pen. One of them fel a danceiug 
and roreing and was in such a condition as I never saw on cafe in before, but 
being almost night the cattle came home and we put him to his dam and he 
sucke and was well 3 or 4 dayes, and on of them was my brothers then come 
over to Nubery, but we did not thinke to send the winges, but when he came 
home and went to the baine this cafe fel a danceing and roreing so wee put 
him to the cowe, but he would not sucke but raue a roreinge away soe wee gate 
him againe with much adoe and put him into the barne and we heard him roer 
severall times in the night and in the morning I went to the barne and there he 
was seting upon his taile like a doge, and I never see no cafe set aftar that 
manner before and so he remained in these fits while he died.' 

Taken on oath June seventh, 1679. 

From tlie date of the preceding testimony, it is evident it was 
used in tlie county court prior to the transfer of the case to the 
state tribunals. On the eighteenth of iMay, William Worse pre- 
sented the following petition. 

' To the honored governor, deputy governor, magistrates and deputies now 
assembled in court May the eighteenth 1681. 

' The most humble petition and request of William Morse in behalf of his 
wif (now a condemned prisoner) to this honored court is that they would be 
pleased so far to hearken to the cry of your poor prisoner, who am a condemned 
person, upon the charge of witchcraft and for a wich, to which charge your 
poor prisoner have pleaded not guilty,- and by the mercy of God and the good- 
ness of the honored governor, I am reprieved and brought to this honored court, 
at the foot of which tribunal I now stand humbly praying your justis in hearing 
of my case and to determine therein as the Lord sliati direct. I do not under- 
stand law, nor do I know how to lay my case before you as I ought, for want of 
which [ humbly beg of your honors that my request may not be rejected, but 
may find acceptance with you it being no more but your sentence upon my 
triall whether I shall live or dy, to which I shall humbly submit unto the Lord 
and you. 

William Morse in behalf of his wife 
Elizabeth Morse.' 

For reasons, which do not appear on the records, the deputies 
had changed their minds, and, instead of being dissatisfied with her 
respite, were willing to grant another hearing of the case. This 
the magistrates opposed. In the court record it is thus stated : 

' The deputyes judge meet to grant the petitioner a hearing the next sixth 
day and that warrants goe forth to all persons concerned, fiom this court then 
to appear in order to her further triad our honored magistrates hereto con- 
senting. 

AVm. Torrey, Cleric. 
]May twenty-fourth, 1681. 

Not consented to by the magistrates. 
Edvi-ard Rawson, Secretary.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 131 

The following additional testimony, taken from the connty files, 
is here presented, as necessary to a full understanding of the whole 
case. It is in the handwriting of John Woodbridge, esquire, and 
was undoubtedly copied by him from the original, ^vl•itten by 
William Morse himself, and should have been inserted in 1679. 
The curious reader will be much amused in comparing this, and 
the preceding testimony of William Morse, with the rejiort of the 
same case, made by Increase Mather in his ' Rcmarkables,' and 
especially that made by Cotton Mather, in volume second, pages 391 
and 392 of the Magnalia. In that 'wonderful' book, the latter 
genileman perverts and ainplifies the testimony to a 'prodigious 
and nefandous ' extent. If his ' fourteen astonishing histories " in 
his ' Thaumatogi-aphia Pneuinatica,' have been as much indebted 
to his imagination for the dress which they now wear, as that oi 
William i\Iorse, it is no wonder that Mr. Savage, in his appendix 
to Winthrop, volume first, page 417, says of him, that 'instead of 
weighing evidence, [he] had not discretion enough to be ti-usted to 
wipe the scales.' 

' The testimony of William Morse, which saith toi^ether with his wife aired 
both about sixty-five yeeies, that Thursday niglit behig the twenty-seventh day 
of November, we heard a great noyes -without round the house of knocking the 
boards of the house and, as we conceived, throwing of stones at the house, 
whereupon rayselfe and wife lookt out and saw no body and the boy all this 
time with us. but we had stones and sticks thrown at us that we were forced to 
retire into the house againe, afterwards we went lo bed and tlie boy with us 
and then the like noyes was upon the roof of the house. 

' The same night about midnight the doore being lockt when we went to bed, 
■we heard a great hog in the house grunt and make a noyes. as we thought 
willing to gelt out, and that we micht not be disturbed in our sleep I rose to let 
hira out, and I found a hog in the house and the doore unlockt. The doore was 
firmly lockt when we went to bed. 

'The next morning a stick of links hanging in the chimney, they were 
thrown out of their place, and we hansed them up againe and they were 
tlirown downe asaine and come into the fire. 

' The night following I had a great awle lying in the window, the which 
awle we saw fall downe out of the chimney into the ashes b)' the fire. 

' After this I bid the boy put the same awle into the cupboard, which we saw 
done and the doore shut to, this same awle came presently downe the chimney 
againe in our sight, and I took it up myselfe. Againe the same night we saw 
a little hidian baskett, that was in the loft before, came downe the chimney 
againe and I took the same baskett. put a piece of brick in it, and the baskett 
with the brick was gone, and came downe againe the third time with the brick 
in it and went up againe the fourth time and came downe againe without the 
brick, and the brick came downe a little after. 

' The ne.vt day being Saturday, stones, sticks and pieces of bricks came 
downe so that we could not quietly eat our breakfast, and sticks of fire also 
came downe at the same time. 

' Tliat same day in the afternoon my thread four times taken away and came 
downe the chimney againe ; mv awle and a gimlett wanting, came downe the 
chimney. Againe my leather taken away came downe the chinmey. Againe 
my nailes being in the cover of a ferkin taken away, came downe the chimney. 

' The ne.vt day being Sunday many stones and .sticks and pieces of bricks 
came down the chimneye. On Monday Mr. Richardson [the minister] and my 
brother being there, the frame of my cow house they saw \'ery lirme, I sent my 
boy to skare the fowles from my hogs' meat. Ho went to the cow house and it 



132 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

fell Jowne, my boy crying with tlie hurt of the fall. In the afternoone the potts 
hanging over the lire, did dash so vehemently one against the other, we sett 
downe one that they might not dash to pieces. I saw the andiron leap in to the 
pott and dance, and leap out, and againe leap in and dance, and leap out againe, 
and leap on a table and there abide, and my wife saw the andiron on the table. 
Also I saw the pott turn itselfe over and thiow down all the water. Againe we 
saw a tray with wool leap up and downe and throw tlie wool out and saw no 
body meddle with it. Againe a tub his hoop fly off, of itselfe and the tub turne 
over and no body neere it. Againe the woolen wheele upside downe and stood 
upon its end and a spade sett on it. Stephen Greenleaf saw it and myselfe and 
wife. Ai^aine my rojie tooles fell downe in the ground before my boy could 
take them being sent for them and the same thing of nailes tumbled downe 
from the loft into the ground and no body neere. Againe my wife and the boy 
making the bed, the chest did open and slmtt, the bed clothes would not be 
made to ly on tlie bed, but (ly off againe. 

' Thomas Rogers and George Hardy being at 'William Morse his house 
affirme that the earth in the chimney corner moved and scattered on them, that 
Thomas Rogers was hit with somewhat, Hardy, with an iion ladle, as is sup- 
posed. Somewhat hitt William Morse a great blow, but it was so swift that 
they could not tell what it was but looking downe after they heard the noyes 
they saw a shoe. The boy was in the corner at first, afterward in the house. 

' ]\Ir. Richardson on Saturday testifyeth that a board flew against his chaire 
and he heard a noyes in anotlier roome, which he supposed in all reason to be 
didbrilicall. 

' John Dole saw a large fire stick of candle wood to fall downe, a stone, a fire 
brand, and these things he saw not whence they came, till they fell downe by 
him. 

' Elizabeth Tifcorab aflirmeth that Powell sayd that he could fiiid out the 
witch by his learning, if he had another scholar with him. , 

' John Emerson aHirmeth that Po\vell sayd he was brought up under Norwood 
and it wa.s judged by the people tliere that Norwood studied the black art.' 

Ill another paper entitled ' a farther testimony of William Morse 
and his wife,' he slates that ' we saw a keeler of bread turn over — 
a chair did often bow to me and rise np againe — the chamber door 
did violently Hy together and the bed did move to and fro and not 
any body neer them.' 

He also states that the cellar door did violently fly down and a 
drum roUed over it — his ' barn door was unpinned four times, and 
going to shut the doore, the ho;/ being' with me, the pin (as I did 
judge) coming downe out of the aire did fall down neer to inc.' 

' Againe Caleb Powell came in as before and seeing our spirits very low by 
the sense of our great afflictions, began to bemoane our condition and sayd that 
he was troubled for our alHiction, and savd that he eyed the boy, and drawed 
neere to us with great compassion, poore old man, poore old woman, this boy is 
the occasion of your griefe, for he does these things and hath caused his good 
old grandmother to be counted a witch. Then sayd I, how can all these things 
be done by him ? Then sayd he although he may not have done all, yet most 
of them, tor this boy is a young rogue, a vile rogue. I have watched him and 
see him do things as to come up and downe. 

' Caleb Powell also said he had understanding in Astrology and Astronomy 
and knew the working of spirits, some in one country and .some in another, and 
looking on the boy said you young ro^ue to be^in so soone. Goodman Morse, 
if you be willing to let mee liave the boy, I will undertake you shall be freed 
from any trouble of this kind while he is with me. I was very unwilling at 
the first, and my wife, but bv often ursing me to, and when he told me whither 
and in what employment and company he should goe, I did consent to it and 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 133 

we have been freed from any trouble of this kind ever since that promise made 
on Monday night last till this time being Friday aftemoone.' 

After enumerating a great variety of marvellous exploits, such as 
'healing a great noyes in the other roome,' — ' his chaire would not 
stand still but ready to throw me backward,' — ' my cap almost taken 
oft" my head three times,' — ' a great blow in my poll,' — ' the catt 
thrown at my "ttdfe and thrown at us five times, the lamp standing 
by us on a chest, was beaten downc,' and so forth, he thus con- 
cludes : 

' Againe a great noyes a great while very dreadful. Againe in the morning 
a great stone being six pounds weight did remove from place to place. We 
saw it. Two spoones throwed off the table and presently the table throwed 
downe, and being minded to write, my ink home was hid from me, which I 
found covered with a rag and my pen quite gone. I made a new pen and 
while I was writing, one eare of come hitt me in the face and fire sticks and 

stones and throwed at me, and my pen brought to me. While I was 

writing with my new pen, my ink-horne taken away. Againe my specticles 
thrown from the table, and throwne almost into the fire by nie, my wife and 
the boy. Againe my booke of all my accounts throwne into the fire and had 
been bumt presently, if I had not taken it up. Againe boards taken of a tub 
and sett upright by themselves, and my paper, do what I could, I could hardly 
keep it, while I was writing this relation. Presently before I could dry my 
writing, a monmouth hat rubbed along it, but I held it so fast that it did blot 
but some of it BIy wife and I being much afraid that 1 should not preserve it 
for the publick use, we did think best to lay it in the bible and it lay safe that 
night. Againe the ne.xt [night] I would lay it there againe, but in the morning 
it was not to be found, the has hansed downe empty, but after was found in a 
box alone. Againe while I was writing this morning I was forced to forbeare 
writing any more, I was so disturbed with so many things constantly thrown at 
me. 

This relation taken December eighth, 1679.' 

On the court records I find nothing more concerning Elizabeth 
INIorse. From an essay on witchcraft, by the reverend John Hale, 
of Beverly, and published in the year 1697, I make the following 
extracts. 

' She [Elizabeth Morse] being reprieved was carried to her own home and 
her husband (who was esteemed a sincere and understanding christian by those 
that knew him) desired some neighbour ministers, of whom I was one, to dis- 
course his wife, which we did, and her discourse was very christian, and still 
pleaded her innocence as to that, which was laid to her charge. We did not 
esteem it prudence for us to pass any definitive sentence upon one under her 
circumstances, yet we inclined to the more charitable side. In her last sickness 
she was in much trouble and darkness of spirit, which occasioned a judicious 
friend to e.xamine her strictly, whether she had been guilty of witchcraft, but 
she said no, but the ground of her trouble was some impatient and passionate 
speeches and actions of her while in prison upon the account of her suffering 
wrongfully, whereby she had provoked the Lord by putting contempt upon his 
word. And in fine she sousht her pardon and comfort from God in Christ and 
dyed so far as I understand, praying to, and resting upon, God in Christ for 
salvation.' 

It was owing, w-e believe, to the firmness of governor Bradstreet, 
that the life of Elizabeth Morse was saved, and the town of New- 



134 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



bury ihns prevented from ofteriiiCT ihe first vidim, in Essex connty, 
to that kunentablc spirit of delusion, which twelve years after left so 
daric a stain on its annals. 

The following is a view of the house occupied by William 
Morse and family, and which, in the language of the excessively 
credulous Cotton fllather, 'was so infested with demons' in KiTO, 
and where, 'before the devil was chained up, the bivisible liand did 
begin to put forth an astonishing vhibiUtij!'' The house is stUI 
standing at the corner of ]\Iarket street, opposite to saint Paul's 
church. The lot on which it stands was granted to William Morse 
in 1645, but in what year he erected it, no record informs us; but 
from all that I can ascertain, the house, or at least a part of it, must 
have been erected soon after the lot was gi-anted. 







March Sfh. The town granted the petition of John Badger for 
' two rods of land over against his house to set up a mill 1o make 
oatmeal.' This mill was kept in operation til] 1810. The last 
proprietor was Mv. Nicholas Lunt, who, between 1763 and 1810, 
manufactured thirty-seven thousand, five hundred and sixty bushels 
of oatmeal. 

3Iarrh Sf/i. ' The selcctinen (hearing that Jeremy Goodridge 
and his family was in a sulTering condition) sent up Josepli PilvC to 
know how the case stood with him, and upon his inquirie Jeremy 
Goodridge told him he was in a way to get a house of his owne 
and for provision he was in a way also to provide for himselfe, for 
he had corne paid for, wliich he hoped he should have. And Joseph 
Pike told him if lie ^\■a'^ like to suffer he should come and acqu;unt 
the selectmen wiiii it and they would make him supply.' * 



* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 135 

^Aug^ust 29th. James Men-ick chosen sexton, and to have three 
pounds and ten shillings a year for his service.' * 

' October 12t/i. It was voted that whereas the scholars are so few 
that such as come to learne English shall pay three pence a week 
for their schooling.' * 

October 19t/i. The town voted to imiy)wer the selectmen to 
petition the general com-t to grant Mr. Woodbridge magistratical 
power. In their petition they say, among many other things, ' by 
reason of the largeness of the towne and frequent concourse of 
vessels to trade among us, they wish to have ftlr. Woodbridge, as 
he is the fittest and most able for such a work in this place.' 

^November 2Sth. The town voted that henceforth the general 
towne meeting should be tlie first Tuesday in March.' * 



1682. 

Early this year, a small baptist church was formed in Newbury, 
as appears from the following extract from the records of the first 
baptist church in Boston. 

' February GtJi, 1681 -2. [It was] agreed upon a church meeting 
that we the church at Boston have assented unto the settling of the 
church at Newbmy.' 

The persons who formed this church, were, probably, George 
Little and Philip Squire, who united with the baptist church in 
Boston in 1676, Nathaniel Cheney, William Sayer and wife, 
Benjamin Morse and wife, Mr. Edward Woodman and wife, John 
Saycr, and Abel JMen-ill, all of whom became members of the same 
church in 1681. All these were residents in Newbury at that time. 
This comprises all the information that I can find on the subject. 

Among the papers of George Little, above-mentioned, the fol- 
lowing petition, in the elegant handwriting of William Chandler, 
is still to be seen. It has neither date nor signature, but was 
probably written between the years 1661 and this year. The just- 
ness of the sentiments, and the beauty of the style, warrant the 
insertion of it here. 

' To the honored generall court. 

' Whereas wee have these many yeares bin preserved by the good providence 
of God under a peaceable government in this wildernesse and many worthy 
things have by you bin donne unto and for this people, which we acknowledge 
with all thanlifulnesse, notwithstanding, may it please you to take notice of 
some greevance of many of the people of God in this country which lieth on 
their spirits, respecting some streightncs and streightening of yt christian liberty 
which wee think ousht to be allowed unto all christians houlding the founda- 
tion and walking orderly, though of different perswations, namely, to worship 
God according to their owne judgement and consciences without being 
restrained to the judgements of others by human laws ; and forasmuch as our 
gratious king is pleased in his letter f to declare (as wee apprehend) that a prin- 
cipal! end of this plantation granted is yt liberty of conscience may bee heere 

* Town records. t September, 1661. 



136 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

enjoyed. Wee hope therefore it will be noe ajiefe of mind to you to consider 
of it, and to repeale sucli lawes as are a hinderance or restraining in any respect 
to ye people of God either in tiieir joining together in church fellowship or 
exercising in the ordinances of God accordinge to ye pure gospel rule. Our 
humble petition is that all such laws, as occasion or cause any such sireightnes, 
restraint or hinderance may be repealed, and that such christian liberty may 
bee allowed and conlirmed. the which wee believe will tend much to ye glory 
of God in ye peace and settlement of his people heere. And see shall wee 
pray for your peace and remaine (as in duty wee are bound) your faithful and 
humble petitioners.' 

^March 22d. The selectmen agreed with William Bolton to keep 
the ch-y herd and to come upon the fire^t day of May and fetch the 
cattle and drive them np into the upper commons^ and so forth and 
William Bolton is to have paid him by the owners of the cattle 
sbcpence a head to be paid in malt or Indian corne.' 

' And he is to burne the woods and to make np the flatts' fence 
and for that he shall be paid fomleen shillings.' f 

' At a legall meeting of the towne April nineteenth 1682. 

' There was voted to go to Ipswich to subscribe according to 
court order about IMr. Mason's clayme, captain Daniel Pierce, Mr. 
Richard Dummer, sergeant [Tristram] ColHn, sergeant [Caleb] 
Moody, Mr. John Woodbridge, ]\L-. Henry Sewall, Nicholas Noyes.' 

In October, the general court renewed the license of Hugh March 
to keep an ' ordhiary.' In his petition to the court, he stales, that 
'the town of Newbury some years since were destitute of an ordi- 
nary and could not persuade any person to keep it. For want of 
an ordiiiary they were twice fined by the county and would have 
been fined a third time had I not undertaken it. It cost me,' says 
he, ' one hundred and twenty pounds to repair the house, and more 
than four hundred pounds in building house, barn, stables and so 
forth.' 

March 22d. ' It was ordered that all swyne that goes upon the 
cow commons shall be ringed under the penalty of twelve pence 
a head and so forth and that all horses and horse kind and dry 
cattle shall be cleared out of the commons and Plum island between 
this and the first of May next under the pentilty of two shillings a 
liead' and so forth. All these were to be driven up into the upper 
commons, except ' such horses that are kept for the necessary use 
of their owners.' These were ' to be fettered under a like penalty,' 
in case of neglect, f 

From this extract, from the petition sent to the general court in 
1679 by the inhabitants of Ipswich, and from other circumstances 
and allusions, it is evident thai large numbers of cattle and horses 
were, by the inhabitants of Newbury, for many years after the first 
setdement of the town, driven on to Plum island in the fall of the 
year, there to spend the winter and live as tliey could till the spring 
of the year, or turned out in the lower commons to shift for them- 
selves. Tradition informs that many of the cattle, especially those 

* ' The upper commons,' see March twenty-first, 1642. 
t Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 137 

on Plum island, became so wild, that it became necessary for their 
owners to shoot them as they would other wild beasts. 

As may be easily supposed, neat cattle were much smaller than 
those which are kept by our farmers at the present day. At the 
same time that their cattle were thus ncirlected, large quantities 
of hay were sent to Exeter, Portsmouth, Dover, Lynn, and so forth. 

March \Ath. Sergeant Nathaniel Clark was appointed by the 
selectmen, ' to warne Evan Morris out of the towne of Newbury.' f 

In this year, March twenty-second, I find the following regula- 
tions concerning sheep. 

' It was ordered that all sheep shall be kept in that part of the 
commons where then- owners live. The inhabitants of the old 
town to keep their sheep there. The next flock to be kept from 
Lob's pound* and over the mill bridge to Henry Jaques his pas- 
ture. And the next flocli from thence to James Smith's and over 
Trotter's bridge. And the inhabitants from James Carrs to Mr. 
John Sewalls and Jacob Toppans are the frog pond flock and their 
range shall be the Aps swam]) from James Smith to George 
Marches bridge and dismal ditch and Robin's pound, and Moses 
Pilsbury and the further end of the towne are to have tlie plaines 
for their flock.' f 

Mai/ 11 th. ' The towne voted that the selectmen shall have 
power to lake care that the poore may be provided for and to build 
cottage or cottages for them according to their discretion and so forth.'f 

June 20th. The highway from Newbury to Andover, was this 
day laid out, to 'go by James Siniths and so by George March his 
farme, thence to said George's high field and from thence by 
marlicd trees to falls river upon as straight a lyne as the ground 
will admit, and so forth.' f 

In April, twenty-nine men and thirty-one women were 'seated' 
in five new seats in the gallery. 

Mrs. Ann White had her license renewed to keep an 'ordinary.' 

Norember 2Sd. ' Thanksgiving appointed on account of a very 
plentiful liarvest.' 

1683. 

On the fifteenth of February, the general court ordered, ' tliat 
major Sallonstall with the deputies take care to make a division of 
the soldiers of Newbury into two foot companies in as equall a 
manner as they can, and that captain [Daniel] Pierce and his com- 
mission oflicers shall have the fiist choice, and captain Thomas 
Noyes and his commission officers, the other. Consented to.' J 

On February ninth, the cotirt of assistants ' order that the port 
of Boston to which Charlestown is annexed, and the port of Salem, 

* ' Crowtlei'o. whom in irons boiinfl, 

Thou basely tlircwst into Lob's pound.' . . Hudibras. 

t Town records. t General court records. 

IS 



138 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

1o which IMarblchcad, Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Rowley, New- 
bury and Salisbury are annexed, as members, shall be the lawful 
ports in this colony, where ships and oilier vessels shall lade or un- 
lade any o( the plantation's enumerated goods, or other goods Irom 
I'oreign parts and no where else and so forth.' 
This occasioned the following petition: 

' To the honored general court now silting in Boston, the humble petition of 
some of Newbury. 

' Wee humlily crave the favour that your honors would be pleased to consider 
our little Zebulon and to ease us of tluU charsc, which at present we are forced 
unto by our goeing to Salem to enter our vesselis and thereby are forced to stay 
at least tow days, before we can unload, besides other ciiarges in going and 
coming. That some meet person miirht be appointed to receive the enter of 
all vesselis, and to act and doe according as tlie law directs in that case and wo 
shall be bound forever to pray for your honors. 
May llfteentli. 1683. 

Hknky Wheei^er, Thomas Noye.s, William Notes, 

Henry Jaques, John Kent, William Titcomb, 

D. Davison. J. Dole, Penuel Titcomb. 

Caleb Moody, Benavah Titcomb, 

Referred to the next general court.' 

By referring to the preceding year, it will be seen, that the whole 
of the ' lower commons,' that is, the territory, south of Artichoke 
river, was divided by the town into five distinct ' ranges,' or ' sheep 
walks,' which were to be occupied by five flocks of sheep, each of 
which must be kept within its own prescribed limits, 'under jicnalty 
of twelve pence a head for every sheep so disorderly ' * as to be 
out of place night or day. Each Hock was under the care of a 
shepherd, iiired liy the owners of the sheep. From an ancient doc- 
ument, found among the papers of the late deacon Nathaniel Little, 
of which the following is a cojiv, we are enabled to ascertain the 
manner, in which each company managed its concerns. The 
company here alluded to, resided in the vicinity of the upper green, 
and comprehended those living within the third ' range.' 

'April '[fMh, li)S3. At a legall mectinc of the company, whose names are 
here set down [we] have agreed that every man .shall take his full turn of fold- 
ing for this year in order according as their names are set down ; and for the 
ni'Kt year it shall begin with that man, that had no benefit, or that had not his 
whole benefit of folding upon his corn and so successively from year to year 
till every man hath had that benetit of foldini upon his corn or otherways in 
season. And also it is agreeii that every man .shall bring a snlficient gate for 
every score of sheep he doth brinj or send to the dock belonging to this com- 
pany according to the number of sheep given in for folding as witnes.s our 
nan ds, 

Richard Brown, John AVoolcott, 

Moses Gerrish, Thomas Noyes, 

Joshua Mokss, Matth. Pettingell, 

Jonathan Haynes for tin,"; year, James Smith.' 

' It is also agreed that Mr. Nois and Mr. Gerrish shall tack account of every 
man's sheep, and proportion to every man his .share of foaldinsr, and to conclude 

* Town rocorris. 



Richard Brown, . . 


. 24 


Thomas Noyes, 


. . 40 


Robert Long, . . , 


. 30 


James Smith, . . 


. . 44 


John Woolcot, . . 


. 54 


John Smith, . . 


. . 12 


Widow Stickney, • 


. 24 


John Webster, . . 


. . 35 




263 




441 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 139 

the end of foulding the fifth of November and let the first share of foulding be 
the bigest, if they make any dillerence in eveiy man's two shares. 

Daniel Peirce, Peter Toppan, Joshua Morss. 

' It is agreed that Evan Morris shall keep sheep for this year 1683 and he is 
to have six shillings a week in pay, and he tliat have above forty iu the fold 
shall ii'ive him one shillinpr ont of the whole in money, and all that are under 
tliirty shall pay sixpence in money a man.' ' They whose sheep are kept shall 
allow him his dyett besides the said six shillings per week where the sheep are 
folded.' 

The following is a list of the company, and number of their slieep. 

Mr. Moses Gerrish, . 90 
Jolm Atkinson, ... 40 
Cousin Pettingell, . . 14 
Samuel Pettingell, . . 30 
Captain [Daniel] Peirce, 105 
Joshua Morss, . . . .27 
Serjeant Trist. Coffin, 55 
Doctor [Peter] Toppan, SO 

441 



Total, . . . 704 

Here we find sixteen individuals, in one neighborhood, owning 
seven hundred and four sheep. How many more there were in 
the remaining four floclcs, we have no means of accurately ascer- 
taining, but estimating the number owned by each individual in 
town, to be in proportion to the tax he paid in 1685, the whole 
number of sheep, owned in Newbury this year, would be five 
thousand six hundred and eighty-five, a number, which is probably 
not far from the ti-uth. 

As tliere may be some things in the preceding quotations, which 
will need a little explanation, I will here furnish it from a few other 
old papers, and an old account book Iceptby Richard Bartlet, junior. 
It wiU be recollected that our fathers found it necessary, on account 
of the wolves, to have their sheep securely folded every night. 
This necessity they turned to the advantage of their corn land, i)y 
folding the sheep upon it. Having set the day on which shepherd 
Morris was to commence his services, which this year was the 
twenty-third of April, and designated the man, who was to have 
the first 'benefit of folding,' who this year was Richard Brown, 
each one of the company brouglil lo his corn land his sliare of the 
materials, ('a gate* lor every score of sheep,') with which they set 
up the pen. After remaining there the prescribed time, it was taken 
down and set up on ' Cousin Pettingell's' land, and thus it passed 
round from one to another, lilje a mug of flip at an ' ordinary ' in 

* Ttiiis, ' September ninth, 1702. John Onlway Dr. for your help in carting two 
load of sheep gates into my field.' Bartkl's account book. 



140 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

olden time, each one reccivins;, ' upon his corn,' or corn land, ' the 
full benefit ' of the top dressing, which seven hundred sheep could 
o-ive. Wherever the pen was erected, there the shepherd was to 
have his ' dyett,' and thus like a menagerie, or traveling circus, he 
and his animals were continually in motion. At other times, and 
in other places, the jien was erected on some part of the conmion 
land, and was, after a suitable time, removed, and a crop of turnips 
raised, which, in the fall, were divided pro rata among the owners 
of the sheep. Turnips at that time, and for half a century after, 
supplied the place of potatoes. In 1662, the price of a cord of oak 
wood, and a bushel of turnips, was tlie same, namely, one shilling 
and sixpence. In 1702, a cord of oak wotul was three shillings, a 
cord of walnut five shillings, and a bushel of turnips from oni^ shil- 
ling and sixpence to two shillings.')^ From Mr. Richard Bartlet's 
old journal I take the following. ' In 1676, turnips one shilling per 
l)ushel, hemp and butter sLxpence per pound. In 1687, cotton wool 
was one sliilling and sixpence per pound.' 

The iiujuisitive reader will excuse the minuteness of these 
details, as it gives a picture of some of the customs of our fore- 
fathers, which the lapse of more than a century and a half has 
either materially changed or entirely efl'acod. 

A negro woman, named .Juniper, came to Newbury this year. 
She was warned out of town, biit, refusing to go, tin; selectmen 
appealed to the county court, ' to be eased of sucii a burthen.' 



16 8 1. 

Juniianj 2d. ' At a generall legall meeting of the towne it was 
proposed and voted on the allirmative, whether or no we think it 
expedient and meet to divide a part of the commons, if we can 
agree upon a rule to do it by.' f 

A committee of fourteen persons were chosen, 'to consult and 
consider about a rule.' It was also voted ' to divide the commons 
above the hedge.' f J 

'■ January IQth. At a legall meeting of the freemen and freehold- 
ers it was voted that six thousand acres of the upper common shall 
be lotted out, namely, one thousand acres to the non-freeholders 
and soldiers, and five thousand acres to the freeholders, to every 
freeholder alike with an addilion to some few men that have de- 
served more and this shall not ha a precedent to the future in the 
ordering or dividing of any other part of the common.' f 

In consequence, however, 'of some, that did manifest dissatisfac- 
tion at the votes it was voted that there shall be no further proceed- 

* John Knight's journal. t Town records. 

J ' The hed2:e,' so calleii, was near Articlioke river, and was the dividing line between 
' the lower eommons.' and ' npper commons,' or ' upper wooils,' as it was sometimes 
railed. The upper commons was a]iproi)riated lor the pasltiniice of ' the dry heril.' 
The lower conuni»us was divided into ' cow commons, ox counnons. sleer commons, and 
«alf commons.' Tlie sheep pasture covered the same ground, but was dilfereiuly divided. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 141 

ing upon that vote, nor any division of the common iinlil the free- 
men and freeholders do agree who the persons shall l)e that deserve 
any addition, and what they do deserve more than an eqiiall share.'* 

On the subject of dividing the commons, nothing more was done 
until March, 16S6, when, as will be seen, the division was made. 
The cause of the dissatisfaction, which existed among a large por- 
tion of the inhabitants, originated in the order passed the seventh 
of December, 1642, which ' declared and ordered that the persons 
only abovementioned [ninety-one in all] are acknowledged to be 
freeholders by the townc and to have a proportionable right in all 
loaste lands, commons, and rivers undisposed of and such as by, from 
or under them or then- heyrs have bought, granted and purchased from 
them or any of them theyr right and title thereunto and none else.^ * 

This order of course excluded all tlie other inhabitants of the (own 
from any riglit or title to any of the common lands, the river lots, 
and Plum island. As early as 1680 attempts were made by the 
non-freeholders to own and occupy the commons equally wdtli the 
freeholders, using language to the freeholders to this effect. 

' We think it hard to be deprived of the right of commonage. 
"We pay according to our property as much as you for the support 
of public worship, the support of schools, the repairing of the roads, 
and our equal proportion of all other taxes, and some of us have 
served as soldiers for yom* defence, and yet you have rights and 
privileges, of which we are deprived.' This was at least plausible, 
and after many meetings, they, in 1686, as we shall see, succeeded, 
with the assistance of some of the rich freeholders, in partially 
accomplishing their object, and establishing a rule, by which the 
division was made. 

3Tai/ Wth. At this session of the general court, Nathaniel Clarke 
of Newbury was chosen naval officer for Newbury and Salisbmy. 
This was in accordance with the last year's petition of Newbury, 
and with that of Salisbury, who at this session of the court, pre- 
ferred a similar petition, stating that they ' had some small trade.' 

Mai/ 21st. Honorable Nathaniel Saltonstall, of Haverhill, thus 
writes to captain Thomas Noyes of Newbury. ' In ye major gene- 
ral's letter I have order also to require you, which I herein do, with 
all convenient speed, to provide a flight of colours for your foot 
company, ye ground field, or flight whereof is to be green with a 
red cross with a white field in ye angle, according to the antient 
custome of om- own English nation, and the English plantations in 
America and our own practice in our ships and oflier vessels. The 
number or bullets to be put into your colours for distinction, may 
be left out at present without damage in the maldng of them.' f 

Sr faile not 

Your friend and servant, 

N. Saltonstall.' 

* Town records. t Robert Adams's manuscripts. 



142 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Thus it appears that the cross in the colors, wliieli Endicott, at 
the insiigalion of Roger Williams, had cut out in 1634 as a 'relique 
of antichrist,' and had been laid aside for many years, was again 
ordered lo be inserted. The scruple, however, against its use, still 
continued in many minds. ' Judge Samuel Sewall, who in 1685 
was captain ot the south coiupany of militia in Boston, resigned 
his commission November eleventli, 1686 on account of an order to 
put the cross in the colours.' =* 

In his diary, under date of August twentieth, 1686, he says : 
' read tenth Jeremiah, was in great exercise about the cross to be put 
into the colours, and afraid, if I should have a hand in it, whether 
it may not hinder my entrance into the Holy land.' 

This year, for the first time, a list of Ihe town debts is given in 
full, from which the following extracts are taken. It is in John 
Pike's handwriting. 

' To Mr. Edward Tomson for keepin£j school this year, . . . £30 Os Od 
To Ricliard Henint' for sweeping the meetiiis' house, .... 2 10 
To Anthony Somerby for keepina; the town booke, •....100 

To Daniel Liuit an lioure glass, 16 

To John Hendriek one day at the hedg, 3 

To Samuel Sawyer burning the wood.s in olde time, .... 40 

To Mrs. White tavern expences, 5 2 4 

To James Brown, watch house glass, 9 (i 

To Samuel Pkimmer ferriage, 10 

To William Sawyer karting lime to meetting house, .... 20 

To James Ordway and Jonathan Clark, twenty-eiglit bushels lime 1 S .0 ' 

From the same account it appears that the 'coullers' for the troop 
cost two pounds and fourteen sliillings, and for the two foot com- 
panies six pounds, six shillings, and seven pence. The whole 
amount of the town tax for all purposes this year was three hund- 
red and thirty-eight pounds and eighteen shillings, of which one 
hundred and twcnty-eighl jiounds, six shillings, and sixpence, was 
the salary of reverend John Richardson. 

November 24///. Inquest on the body of John Poore, senior. 

' We judge that being in the woods and following his game, he 
was bewildered, and lost himself and in his pursuit plucked off his 
clothes, and scattered them some good distance one part from an- 
other till he had left notliing on save his waistcoat, and drawers, and 
breeches and hose and shoes.' f 



1G85. 

Frhnairji Sf/i. ' Sabbath afternoon there was an earthquake.' J 
Jiiniiari/ l7tJi. 'Boston harbour frozen over down to the casUe, 

and nine hundred men on the ice at once.' | 

The following petition was sent in lo the town of Newbury by 

some of the inhabitants at the west end. 

* QiKirlovly register, February, ISll. t County records. J Judge Sewall's diary. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 143 

'March inth, 16S4-5. To the town of Newbury the humble request of some 
of the inhabitants of this town doe sire and intreat that you would be pleased to 
grant us your consent, approbation and assistance in geling some help in the 
ministry amongst us, by reason that we doe live soe remote from the means, 
great part of us that we cannot with any comfort or convenience come to the 
publick worship of God ; neither can our families be brought up under the 
means of grace as christians ought to bee, and which is absolutely necessary 
unto salvation ; therefore we will humbly crave your loving compliance with 
us in this our request.' 

The preceding petition is the first recorded intimation, that is to 
be found, that the people of the west end of the town desired to 
have public worship atnong themselves. This was the commence- 
ment of a contest, which, as we shall see, involved the whole town, 
and especially the westerly part of it, in diiHculties and quarrels, 
which were not settled for many years, the injurious consequences 
of which are e\cn now perceptible. 

April 20//(. King James proclaimed king ' in the market place, 
Boston, by the governor, deputy governor, eight soldiers and one 
troop to guard the governor.' 

This year, May twentieth, William Bolton was chosen ' to keep 
the dry cattell in the upper commons above the hedge, and to take 
care for ye repayrlng of sucli breaches as should be in the hedg 
from time to lime,' and so forth. 

June ISt/i. The selectmen defined the limits of the five flocks of 
sheep. They were called ' the old-town flock,' ' Heniy Short's 
flock,' ' captain Pierce's flock,' ' the frogg pond flock,' and ' the Arte- 
choak flock.' 

In November the selectmen ordered the names of all the tax- 
payers to be recorded, with the amount paid by each individual 
toward Mr. Richardson's salary, which was ' forty pounds in money 
and seventy pounds in other good pay.' The word 'pay' at this 
time meant all kinds of grain, and so forth, and sometimes cattle 
and horses. By a warrant from the state treasurer ' to the select- 
men and constables of Newbury, the town was required to collect 
of the inhabitants eighteen pounds, two shillings and ten pence in 
money, and thirty-six pounds, five shillings and eight pence to be 
paid in country pay, wheat at five shillings and sixpence, barley and 
barley malt and pease at four shillings and sixpence, rye at four 
shillings, Indian corn at three shillings, and oats at two shillings per 
bushel, and all other things at money prices, provided no leane 
cattle or horses be paid, and in case any pay money in lieu of 
country pay they are to be abated one third,' and so forllt. 

The whole number of persons rated, was two hundred and thir- 
teen, among whom are the names of eight with the tide of ' Mr.,' a 
mark of distinction at this time, one esquire, three captains, three 
lieutenants, two ensigns, eight sergeants, three corporals, three dea- 
cons, and two doctors. 



144 HISTORY OF KEWBURY. 



1686. 



' Janiiarij 2-itIi, Simdai/. So cold that llie sacramental bread is 
frozen pretty hard and rattles sadly into the plates.' * 

At the March meeting this year, ' it was ordered that the select- 
men shall have twenty shillings apiece for the bearing of their 
charges and the expence of their time about the towne biiisiness 
and ye commissioner to have ten shillings and what they spend 
more they are to pay out of their owne estate.' f 

March HJlh. ' The towne being sensible of their great want of 
another come mill,' a committee of five persons was chosen ' to 
view such place or places, as may be most convenient for ye setting 
up of a mill.' f 

' For the preservation of convenient shades for cattle and sheep 
in yc home commons,' all persons were forbidden, under penalty 
of twenty shillings a tree, ' apses, bu'ches and alders excepted, to 
cutt, fall, girdle or lopp any tree in any of the towne's high wayes or 
in any of ye commons ' within certain specified limits. | 

'Juniper proposed for a liberty to build a cottage to dwell in 
upon ye common neer frogg pond. The towne voted in the nega- 
tive.'!' 

March 22d. ' At a legall meeting of the selectmen twenty tything 
men were appointed and chosen for the year- ensuing.' 

' Benjamin ]\Iors was appointed to burn the woods this year above 
Arlichoke river and to have for his )mins ten shillings.' 

Hugh March and Mrs. Ann White were licensed to keep an 
' ordinary.' 

' At a county court Rlarch thirtieth captain Daniel Pierce, captain 
Thomas Noyes and lieutenant Stephen Greenleaf are commissioned 
to be magistrates by the court, as there was no magistrate among 
thein,' that is, the people of Newbury. So says John Badger in his 
petition. 

March 2ocl. ' At a legall meeting of the freemen and freeholders,' 
another attempt was made to divide a part of the upper commons. 
Among the votes passed was one, forty-three to thirty-eight, that 
' each freeholder should have twenty acres of land laid out in the 
upper commons on IMerrimaek river and on the southwest side of 
the upper commons' and so forth, and ' it was also determined and 
agreed that if this land in time to come shnll be improved by fenc- 
ing or otherwise the improvers of it shiJl ))ay to all public towne 
charges,' and st) forth. f 

From this and other votes and allusions, it is evident that tlic 
larger part of the hind lying above Artichoke river, was still com- 
mon, unfenced, and tmimproved except for pasturage. Large 
quantities of timber in this tract were gi-anted to various individuals 
to make 'long shingle,' as it was called, 'to cover houses,' for 'pales' 

* Jiulge Sewall's diary. t Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 145 

for ' clapboards,' ' for posts and rayles,' for buildings of various 
kinds, and for wheelwric^hts and coopers' use. 

In the montii of April, complaints were 'made to the selectmen of 
great spovle of timber that was made in the towne's commons, 
constable Moses Piisbury seized and delivered to Joseph Pike 
twenty-one red oak trees and sixteen white oak trees at the southeast 
end near Savages' rock and the westerly end of Long hill near 
Merrimack river.' 

May 5th. A committee of seventeen was chosen, to 'agree upon 
a meete way of dividing the commons and bring in thejT result and 
conclusion to the towne,' and so forth.* 

On October twentieth, the committee reported, and the ' towne 
voted that the upper commons be divided in manner following, 
namely, the six thousand acres, one half of them in quantity and 
quality be divided among the freeholders, to every freeholder a like 
share, and the oiher half of said commons be divided among all 
such inhabitants of this towne and freeholders as have paid rates 
two years last past, proportionable to what each man paid by rate 
to the minister's rate i.i the year 1GS5.' * 

' And that about eleven hundred acres of the lower commons be 
divided according to the above method and laid out into five general 
pastures and so forth, and the rest of the commons to be divided and 
laid out into wood lots according to the above d ivision and same rule.'* 

^ June 19tJi. James jMyriclvs house burnt down.'f 

The committee, who were chosen October twenty-first, to divide 
and lay out the lands, were captain Daniel Pierce, lieutenant Ste- 
phen Greenleaf, scrjeant John Emery, Joseph Pike, lieutenant Tris- 
tram Coflin, ensign Nathaniel Clark, and Henry Short. 

November 2lilh. The freeholders of Newbury met and passed 
several orders before the lots were drawn. One was, that ' Indian 
river should be free as far as the tide flows for the passing and re- 
passing of boats and canoes. Another, that every freeholder should 
draw his lot as his name is entered in the town booke.* The free- 
holders' meeting was then adjourned for half an hour to attend the 
towne meeting then to be.' * 

This division of land, which the freeholders had at last agreed to 
make, was one of the most important transactions in which the town 
had been called to engage. It had occasioned, as we learn from a 
protest on record, signed by Margaret Lowle and James Brown, 
'great confusions, contentions, inconveniences, and injuries,' and 
was not setded without much difficulty and opposition. On No- 
vember twenty-ninth, they again met, and 'agreed that the persons 
concerned in the rate division of the upper commons shall be drawne 
into four companyes, then one man of each com])any shall draw in 
the name, and for the said company, and he that draweth figure one 
that company shall have theyr proportions first,' and so on. ' Then 
every man's name of every company, and the names of the four 

* Town records. t Sewall's journal. 

19 



116 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

companyes shall be putt into four several baggs, and the committee 
chosen to lay out the said rate proportion shall take a paper out of 
the bagg belonging lo tiie first company, and that man's name, that 
first comes to hand shall have his lott first laid out and so all the rest 
successively unlU the whole be laid out and so for the rest of the 
companyes.' * 

Drccmber Isl. The freeholders again met and voted, that ' lliey 
would begin the division next Mr. John Gerrish's farm next Brad- 
ford line,' and so forth. The lots were accordingly drawn, and the 
land was laid out by ' the two lott layers, namely lieutenant TrlsU-am 
Coilln and Henry Short,' and thus this perplexing business was 
finally settled, in perhaps the only way which could reconcile the 
conflicting Interests and opinions of tlie great m.ajority of the people. 

December \Zlh. A committee was chosen to divide eleven 
hundred acres of the lower commons into five general pastures. 

December 20lli. Sir Edmund Andros came to New England. 

December 21s/. The committee were desired to ' measure the 
old towne common and proportion it to the old towne men and 
proportion the rest of tlie land adjacent to the rest of the inhabi- 
tants in the same proportion.' * 

It may not here be iuiproper to explain the dlfTcrencc between a 
' freeliolders' meeting,' a 'freemen's meeting,' and a 'town meeting.' 

A man might be a freeholder and not a ' freeman,' and vice versa. 
He might 1:)c a voter In town affau's, and yet neither be a freeholder 
nor a freeman. A freeman was one who had talcen the freeman's 
oath, and which alone entitled him to vote in the nomination of 
magistrates, choice of deputies, alias representatives. A freeholder 
was one, who either by grant, purchase, or Inheritance, was entitled 
to a sliare in all the common and undivided lands. When any 
town oHicers were to be chosen, or money raised by way of rate, 
all the Inhabitants could vote. Thus we sometimes find the expres- 
sion, 'at a meeting of the freemen,' sometimes 'a meeting of the 
freeholders,' or 'a meeting of the freeholders and proprietors,' or 'a 
meeting of the freeliolders and Inhabitants,' or 'a generall towne 
meeting,' and sometimes ' a legall lowne meeting.' Tiiesc expres- 
sions always indicate the nature and object of the meeting, and 
were necessary, as all llie transactions were recorded by the town 
clerk. In the same book. In this year, two sets of books began to 
be kept, one for the town, and one for the proprietors, and were 
kept separate till the final settlement of the proprietors' concerns. In 
the sale of Plum island in 1827. To the division of the land In 
the upper commons, on the ])lan proposed, many were opposed, 
some! from principle, and some from Interest. The division was at 
last seilled by a compromise, which evinced a good deal of man- 
agement, cpiieting Ihe non-frechokha-, and, at the saiue time, enrich- 
ing the wealthy freclioldin- at the expense of the poorer freeholder. 
Tliat a rich freeholder would obtain a larger share by consenting 

* Tnwii recoiils. 



HISTORY OF NE^VBURY. 147 

that the rate-paying non-frceholdcrs should share wilh him accord- 
ing to ' the rule,' is evident. For example, were one hundred and 
thirteen acres of land to be divided among the freeholders alone, 
each would have an acre ; but were the same amount to be divided, 
one half among the freeholders, and the other half among the free- 
holders and rate payers, a freeholder would have half an acre on 
the first division, and if he paid a sixteen shillings lax, lie would 
obtain eight times as much on the oilier half as a fteeholder who 
only paid a two shillings tax. 

November 2ist. ' The three deacons namely, deacon Nicholas 
Noyes, deacon Robert Long and deacon Tristram Collin were at 
the request of the selectmen, chosen standing overseers of the poore 
for the town of Newbiiry.' 

December 1st. ' Captain Daniel Pierce and captain Stephen 
Greenleaf senior, were added to the deacons as overseers of the 
poor, and that any three of ihem shall have power to make a valid 
act.' * The town also engaged ' to ratify and confirm whatsoever 
bargain the overseers of the poore shall make, provided alwayes 
that they do not engage money.' * 

December ISfh. The town empowered a committee 'to lay out 
a convenient high way of such breadth as they shall see meet thro' 
the plaines to sergeant Emery's uiill.' * 

' The first range of lots for the freeholders began at sergeant John 
Emery's farm [near Artichoke river] and so ran up Merrimack river 
unto Rlr. John Gerrish's farm [near or adjoining to Bradford.'] 

1'he committee, consisting of Mr. Daniel Pierce, with Tristram 
CotHn, and Henry Short, lot-layers, laid out a road ' four rods wide 
and no more from Artichoke river to Lo\\a>Ii's brook [now Brown's 
spring] and thence to Bradford line.' ^ 

Joseph Dudley was appointed president of Massachusetts, 
Plymouth, New Hampshire, and Maine, with a council, but no 
house of representatives. In six months he was superseded by 
sir Edmund Andros. He was very arbitrary and oppressive. Five 
only of the councillors joined v\"ith governor Andros in his 
measures ; the gi-eater part refusing to act w'ith him. 

1687. 

January 5th, 1687. A committee was appointed ' to t-eat with 
Peter Cheney about selling up a corne mill and a fulling mill upon 
the Falls river, and to ti-eat with William iMoody concerning his 
Indian purchase and the quantity of land he claims thereby,' * and 
so forth. 

Janiiarij Sth. , Town granted Mr. [D.] Davison a ' piece of 
ground twenty foot \\'ide next Mr. Richard Dole's ware house grant 
and thirty-five foot long towards doctor Dole's house,' and laid it 
out second of April. 

* Town records. 



148 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Town sent a polition to sir Edmund Andros, kni^lit, praying 
him to appoint and empower some man or men to lake the 
acknowledgment ol' deeds, and give oaths, and a clerk to issue 
'forth all needliil -wTits and warrants, there being not one of vom- 
excellencys council within twenty miles.' 

Februarij loth, 1687. Peter Cheney proposed to ' build and 
mainfaine a good sullicient gi-ist or corn mill within tAvo years, and 
a fuUing mill within three yeares at ye upper falls, and to full ye 
towne's cloth on the same terms that ftL-. John Pearson doth full 
cloth, and resign up his interest in Little river on condition that the 
town give him fifty acres of land joyning to Falls' river,' * and so 
forth, which the town granted. 

March 28///. The town granted to eleven young men, ' liberty to 
build a pew in the hindmost seat in the gallerv, that is before the 
pul])it.' * 

Ortobrr ISlh. The committee chosen by the town, ' agreed with 
Mr. Seth Shove to be ye lattin tSchoolmaster ibr ye town of New- 
bury for the present year.' 

April Gfh. ' A warrant was granted to warne out of ye lowne 
Wm. Nisbett, Edw. Badger and one David that lives at Mr. 
Thurlos.' * 

' This year the worms did much mischief in the summer, eating 
up trees, grass as though they had been mown, leaving weeds.' f 

October 25th. A new ferry across the Merrimac was granted 
by sir Edmund Andros, to captain John March, and was the first 
ferry granted within the limits of what is now Newburyport. It 
was situated just where it is now. The first was granted at Carr's 
island, and, till this year, had mono])olized the whole ti-avel of the 
coiuitry, from the mouth of the river to Amesbury ferry. This 
grant was in consef|uenee of a petition sent by captain March, 
September twenty-third, J6S7. James Carr remonstrated against 
it, stating that ' the lirst bridge at Carr's island cost more than three 
hundred pounds, that the ferry at George Carr's death was worth 
near four hundred pounds and that the injury to him by March's 
ferry was fifty or sixty pounds a year.' Mr. March, in a letter to the 
town of Salisbury, ollered to be at one half of the expense of mak- 
ing their ]iart of the road passable to the ferry. 

During the vacalit)n of the charter, and the lyraunieal adminis- 
ti'ation of Andros, it was asserted that the j)eople had no title to 
their lands. The following letter from Mr. Robert Mason, who, in 
consequence of a grant to his father from the council of Plymouth, 
before the settlement of Massachusetts, claimed all the land from 
Naumkeag river, [Salem,] to Merrimac, will be read with interest. 
Mason was one of Andros's council, and resided at l\)rlsnioulli. 
New Hampshire. 

* Town rccorils. t Sewall's journal. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 149 

'Great Inland, Augxtst 13tk, 1687. 

' To his excellency Edmund Andios, 
' Sir, 
' Your excellency may please to remember I proposed some persons as 
fitting to serve his majesty in the town of Newbury both in civil and military 
affairs. In my return to this place I had discourse with several persons, the 
most considerable of that town, that by want of justices of the peace, nothing 
hath been done at the meeting of those inhabitants for settling the rates and 
other concerns of the publick. ]\lr. Woodbridge. one of the justices is very an- 
cient and crazy and seldom goes abroad. Mr. Dummer the other justice lives 
six miles from the place and therefore voiy unlit for that service for the town of 
Newbury, besides his other qualites in not being of the loyal party as he ought 
to be. I doe therefore intreat of your cxceHcncy. tliat in the commis.sion of the 
peace my two friends, Daniel Pierce and Nathaniel Clarke may be put, which I 
assure myself will be for his majesty's service and to your excellency's satisfac- 
tion. There are no military' commissions sent to that place and therefore I doe 
entreat your excellency's favour tliat commissions be sent these following per- 
sons. Daniel Davison, captain of horse for Newbury and Rowley. Stephen 
Greenleaf junior lieutenant. George INIarch cornet. Of the first company 
Thomas Noyes captain, Stephen Greenleaf senior lieutenant, James Noyes 
ensign. Of the second company Nathaniel Clarke captain, John jSlarch lieuten- 
ant, INIoses Gerrish ensign. I shall desire your excellency that Mr. Davison 
may have his commission first for raising the troops, there being many young 
men, that will list themselves under him. if not before listed by the captain's 
foot. He is very well beloved and I presume will have the completest troops 
in the country. 

' I shall be e.xtream glad to heare of my good lady's safe arrival, which so 
soon as I shall understand, I will make a speedy journey to Bo-ston to kiss her 
hands. I came last night to this place. / hope all things will go easy so that I 
may have no occasion of using the former severities of the law against my tenants. 
I had rather see them rich than poor. I humbly kiss your excellency's hands 
and am Your excellency's servant 

Robert Masoj).' 

less. 

January 26fh. John Woodbridge, esquire, and eight others, sent 
in a written prostestation ' against the injurious and unreasonable 
dealing of some invading and disposing of the town's commons, 
which (as ihey suppose) lliey have no right nor authority to do,' 
and so forth, and 'demanded that whatsoever is akeady done to the 
dividing and impropriating our commons may be made void and 
nulled,' and so forth. 

The town granted ' their interest in the stream of the little river 
to the mouth of it where it vents into the great river to Henry Short 
to build a grist mill upon for tlie towne's use, provided he build it 
within one year, and if he do not build within one year he is to pay 
five pounds and the towne to have theyr interest in the stream 
againe.' * 

This summer, the people of IMassachusetts, in addition 1o tlie 
grievances, which they suffered under the tyrannical administration 
of sir Edmund Andros, were again, after a twelve years' respite, 
adlicted \\dth the horrors of an Indian war. It was called Castine's 
war from the baron de saint Castine, a Frenchman, who had mar- 

* Town records. 



150 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

ried a daughter of Madocliawaiido, the Penobscot c'aief, and whose 
house, in his absence, had been plundered by the Engiisli. The 
Canadian French also united with the Indians in their depredations, 
which were continued at intervals till 1698. Notwithstanding all 
the dilHculties, under which the people labored, they were, in gene- 
ral, very patient under the ' new government.' * There were, how- 
ever, a few exceptions. ' One John Gould was tried, convicted 
and fined fifty pounds for treasonable Avords.' The reverend John 
Wise and Mr. John Appleton, of Ipswich, were imprisoned for 
remonstrating against the taxes as a heavy giievance.*^ 

Calelj Moody of Newbury was imprisoned and Joseph Bayley 
put under bonds of two hundred ])0unds to answer for an alleged 
offence, which is best related in iMoody's own words. 

' Caleb Moody of Newbury aa^eJ fifty-two yeavs te.stifyeth that some time in 
January 1688 Joseph Baylie of ye same towne gave me a paper, which lie told 
me he had taken up in the king's highway, the title of it was, 

' New England alarmed, 

To rise and be armed, 

Let not papist you charme, 

I mean you no harme,' and so forth. 

' The purport of tlie paper was to give notice to the people of the danger they 
were in, being under the sad circumstances of an arbitrary government, sir Ed- 
mund Andros having about one thousand of our souldiers, as I was informed, 
prest out of the Massachusetts colony and carried with him to the eastward 
mider pretence of destroying our enemy bidians (although not one Indian killed 
by them that I heard of at that time.) We had no watching nor warding at our 
towne by order of those yt sir Edmund put in command there. Justice Wood- 
bridge and Justice Epps sent me a warrant to bring a paper that was in my 
hands, which I did, and told them I received the paper from Joseph Baylie, who 
owned it to thetn, whereupon I was cleared, and they bound said Joseph Baylie 
in a bond of two hundred pounds to answer it at Salem court ye fifth of March 
following and they took me for his bondsman. Notwithstanding this, about a 
week after the said justices by a warrant brought me before them and then 
committed me to Salem prison (though I profi'ered ym bayle) they would not 
take it but I was to be safely kept to answer what should be charged against me 
upon the king's account for publishing a scandalous and seditious lybell. After 
I had been in prison a whole week then judge l-'almer and Mr. Grayham, ye 
king's attorney came to Salem and examined me and confined me to close im- 
prisonment ordering that neither my friends, or acquaintance nor fellow-prisoners 
to come to me, which continued for about a week's time, and then judge P. and 
Mr. G. came againe, and said G. sent for me, and after some discourse he refused 
any bayle. but committed me to close prison, and after, Charles Redford, the high 
sheriff, came to prison and told Joseph Baylie and myself that he had orders to 
examine us, and to put a new mittimus upon us and charge us with treason, and 
the time came when the court should have sent to try us and there was no court. 
Afterwards there came news of ye hap|)y arrival and good success of ye prince 
of Oranye, now king of Euglaml, and then by petitioning I got bayle. The 
time of inv imprisonment was about five weeks, and I doe judge my "dainmage 
one wav and another was about forty pounds. 

Boston New Eni;land, January ninth. l(iS9-9o.'t 

'Caleb Moody a|)peareil personally January ninth. lUSy-iJO and gave evidence 
upon oath of the truth of the above written before me 

SaMUF.I, .ArPLETON 

Assistant for ye colony of ye Massachusetts 
bay in New England.' 

* Hutchinson. t Colonial trios. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 151 

The ' one thousand souldiers,' mentioned by RIoody in the pre- 
ceding statement, were in fact only seven or eight liundred, whom 
governor Andros had impressed, and marched at their head in the 
eastern country in November, a ' measure luiiversally condemned,' 
as ' not an Indian was Ivdled,' and • many of tiie soldiers died with 
hardships.' The names of those impressed by his order from New- 
bury, November, 1688, were, captain John March, Charles Stuart, 
Benjamin Goodridge, William Goodridge, John Cram, Joseph 
Short, Edward Goodwin. 

In the January following, Giles JMills, Nicholas Cheney, Jacob 
Parker, John Richards, and Andrew Stickney, were impressed. 

Joseph Moring, a soldier, in his will, dated November fifth, 1688, 
says, ' I give to the ' new town ' in Newbury twenty pounds to help 
build a meeting house, if theij do build one, if they do not build one, 
then I give twenty pounds towards rebuilding or repairing the 
meeting-house that is now standing in Newbury.' 

In Richard Bartlet's old account book I find, in 1689, the follow- 
ing. ' Bought boards and shingles and nails for the meeting house.' 
The west paiish meeting-house was therefore built in 16S9. 



16S9. 

For the last three yeai-s, there is nothing of interest to be found on 
the town records. The reason of this, probably, is, that nothing of 
consequence was done. Under the tyramfical and arbitrary govern- 
ment of Andros, the people were kept under gi'eat restraint. 

' Every town was suffered to meet once a year to choose their 
officers, but all meetings at other times or for other pmposes, were 
strictly forbidden.' ^ 

The body of the people, who had borne with gi-eat patience the 
tyranny of Andros's administration, were determined to bear it no 
longer. On Thursday, the eighteenth of April, the inhabitants of 
Boston and the vicinity 'seized and confined the governor and such 
of the council, as had been most active, and other obnoxious per- 
sons and reinstated the old magistrates.' * Some went from New- 
bury. Among them was Samuel Bartlet, a staunch friend of lib- 
erty, a very facetious but decided man. ' He was a basket maker, 
fidler and farmer. On the first intimation of any difficulty, he 
armed himself, mounted his horse, and so rapid, it is said, was his 
flight to Boston, that his long rusty sword, trailing on the ground, 
left, as it came in contact with the stones in the road, a stream of 
fire all the way. He arrived in season to assist in imprisoning the 
governor.' f 

The following is the first article on the records for this year. 

' Maij 6th. The committee of safety in Boston having desired 
us to send a man or men for consulting with them what may be 

* Hutchinson. 

t Interleaved almanacs of the late honorable Bailey Baitlet, esquire, Haverhill. 



152 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

best for the conservation of the peace of the country- Our inhabi- 
tants beinw met this sixth day of iMay 1689 have chosen captain 
Thomas Noyes and heutenant Stephen Greenleaf senior for llie 
end aforesaid,' and on May twentieth the inhabitants of tlie town 
met for consuhation, and among other things declared that being ' in 
full expectation of enlargement of privilege and liberty of choyce for 
the futm-e,' they 'give then- consent to the freemen of the.towne to 
make choyce of the governor, deputy governor, and assistants to be 
our lawful autliorily.' It was therefore voted ' by the towne and by 
the freemen,' witii only two dissenting votes, that the charter should 
be reassumed, though nothing had then been heai'd from England. 
On May twenty-sixth, news arrived at Boston that William and 
Mary had been proclaimed king and queen of England. ' This,' 
saysllatchinson, ' was the most joyful news ever received in New 
England.' 

jiilij Isf. Town desired ' for the present exigence to liave all ihe 
military officers, that were in commission May twelfth 1686,' to be 
reinstated. 

' Also we desire and empower the said committee oi militia to 
appoint so m;my hi>nses to be fortified among us as they shall see 
cause and to proportion so many families to each fortification ac- 
cording to theyr discretion.' 

August 22(1. ' Brig Men-imack of Newbury, captain John Kent, 
was captured by pirates in Martin Vineyard sound.' 

August 2Xth. The governor and council and representatives 
desired the town of Newbury to raise a ' subscription for a loan of 
money, goods and provisions for the carrying on of the Indian war.' 
The town, ' in answer thereunto,' say, 'it is our desire to maintiiine 
ye soldiers of our own towne as to provision and wages.' * 

tSc/ilembrr 2'M. Samuel Sayer was licensed by the court to sell 
victuals and drink, living conveniently by the road to Bradford and 
Haverhill.' 

Drccmbrr 2-5fli. Peter Cheney was allowed one year longer to 
finish his fulling mill. 

December 26/h. ' The towne granted all theyr right, title and 
interest in the stream of the little river to Henry Short so long as 
he shall build and maintainc a sufficient corno mill,' and so forth. 

Sometime this year, the first meeting-house in the west end of 
the town was erected. It was about thirty feet square, and was 
built at the cost and charge of sixteen persons. It stood on what 
is called ' the plains.' 

16 9 . 

Februanj 2-J//i. ' Divers of the inhabitants of the new towne 
having made a proposition unto ye lowne in order to their calling 
of a minister amongst them, 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 153 

' The towne considering the great weight of such a thing and yt 
such an afFayre may be duly considered the towne have desired [a 
committee of eight persons] to advise witli ye reverend jNIr. 
Richardson about the said proposition and to draw up such pro- 
posals to the next meeting of the towne as they shall think may 
best conduce to peace that the towne may consider farther of it.' * 

March Sd. The committee waited on I\Ii-. Richardson, who 
declined giving ' advice on the one side or the other, knowing he 
must of necessity give offence.' The committee reported, ' that 
considering the times as troublesome, and the towne being so much 
behind with Mr. Richardson's salary, the farmers and the neck 
men being under greater disadvantages upon many accounts do 
desire and expect, if such a thing be granted that they should have 
the same privilege to provide for themselves, which we think can- 
not conduce to peace, therefore desire the new towne to rest satis- 
fied for the present.' * 

' March 1690. The committee of Newbury appoint the house of 
Mr. Abraham Merrill to be a gan-json house and request him with 
all convenient speed to fortify his house. 

Daniel Pierce Captain.'' 

March llfh. At this meeting, fifteen men, belonging to the 
w-est end of the town, after staling that ' it was well known how 
far they had proceeded as to a meeting house,' left two propositions 
with the town, one that the town w*ould agree to support two min- 
isters, so that one could preach ' at the west meeting house,' or that 
the town would consent to have the ' ministry amongst them upon 
their own charge and that the town would lovingly agree upon a 
dividing line between them that so they might know what families 
may now belong to the west meeiing house,' and so forth. 

This year, Isaac INJorrill, a native of New Jersey, came to New- 
bury, to entice Indians and negroes to leave their masters and go 
with him, saying thai the Emf/ish should be ait off, and the nes:roes 
should be free. He was arrested May twenty-ninth, 1690, and sent to 
Ipswich for trial. What was the result of his examination, I have 
not ascertained. Their intention Avas to take a vessel out of the dock 
at Newbury, and go for Canada and join the French against the 
English, and come down upon the backside of the country and save 
none but the negroes and Indians. They intended to come with 
four or five hundred Indians, and three hundred Canadians, between 
Haverhill and Amesbury, over JMerrimac river, near ' Indian river 
by Archelaus' hill on the backside of .lohn Emery's meadow and 
destroy, and then they might easily destroy such small towns as 
Haverhill and Amesbury. Morrill said that he had viewed all the 
garrisons in the country and that captain Gerrish's was the 
strongest.' f 

The persons implicated in this scheme to obtain their inalienable 

* Town records. t Quarterly court files. 

20 



154 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

rights, wore .lanii's. a nesi:ro slavo of Mr. R. DdIc, and Joseph, 
Inilian slave of .Mr. INloody. 

Cii'orifo Major, a Jcrsi'vnian, was also implicated. How many 
•slaves, Indian and African, there -were al this time in N(>\vlHny, wo 
have no means of aseeitaininL;'. The number was probably small, 
as governor Bradstreei. jii a Idler dated Alay nineteenth, 1680, to 
the lords of the privy eouneil, says among other things. ' now and 
then iwo or three negroes are brought hither from Barbadoes. In 
our government [Massacliusetls] about one hundred and twenty in 
all." ' 

]"'ilieen soldiers were sent from Newbury lo (Salisbury, Amesbu- 
ry, and Haverhill, April twelfth. 

April 2Slh. Sir William Phijjps, wiih a lleet of eight small ves- 
sels, sailed against Port Royal, [now Anna})olis,] which he took 
' with little or no resistance,' and returned the tliirlieth of I\Iay. His 
success encouraged the court to attemj)! the acquisition of Canada, 
which after much expense and loss of men proved a tolal failure, 
which occasioned so great an expense as to induce the government 
to issue bills of credit from two shillings to ten pounds' denomina- 
tion. The soldiers were gi-eat suHerers by this paper money, the 
first seen in New England. 

The situation of Newbury during the present Indian war may be 
in pai-t ascertained by the following order, which is similar to the 
one passed in 1638. 

Atitrust ~lh. ' These are in his majesty's name to require all the soldiers be- 
longing to this towne to bring their arms and ammonition to ye meeting house 
evary saboth day and at all other publick meetings, and also they ar required to 
carry their arms antl amnuinition with tliem into meadows and places, where 
they worke, and if any man doe refuse or neglect his dewt\' as above expressed 
he shal pay five shillings for every such neglect. * 

Daniel Pierce, captain, Jona. Moores, lieutenant, 

Tho.mas Noyes, captain, Jacob Toppan, ensign, 

Steph. Greexleaf. captain, Henry Sojierbv.' 

Jii!i/ \5th. ' John ]\Iarch is appointed a captain of one of the 
companies for the Canada expedition, and ordered to enlist a com- 
pany under him.' 

']'he following letter from Nathaniel Saltonstall, esquire, may not 
be uninteresting. It is from Robert Adams's manuscripts. 

'Haverhill August 20th, 1690. 
' Captain Noyes, 

' After you were gone beins tlioughtfull bow yourself and the rest 
■with you last night would set home. I began to have some hopes concerning 
you. because I did not believe your dinners would ly upon your stomachs so as 
to indispose you in ridintr unless in vexation for tlie want of one ; there being a 
common saying ; a man after a good dinner is most airy and most agile and 
rcadie lor riding or such kind of imployments. 

'James Sanders just now promised me to call for this letter, which incloses 

* Robert Adams's manuscripts. 



HISTORY OP NEWBUKY. 155 

ye papers, yt are to be improved ye next lecture day abont Joseph Bayley and 
John Chase. 

' Fail not of giving me a trae account of your management of ye matter, and 
now it comes just into my mind to propose to yoa for your farther proceeding; 
and if you act accordingly hereto it shall be owned by me notwithstanding the 
issue inade : which will without doubt fully be known to all your people. It is 
this, if ye said Joseph or John do carry it submissively and give you thereby 
ground to hope tliat their confession was from ye heart, which I for some reason 
account so to be. you may tell them you will venture to stop their publique 
appearance on ye lecture day : which if they afterward run into ye like evils 
will be a great aggravation of their fault 

' I will tell you. Formerly when I had prosecuted several for offences in ye 
field at court too, and judgment given for their open confession at ye head of ye 
company, I did abate it and I found I did not offend ye court, but engaged ye 
person to civility and thankfulness. 

' Let me have a punctual return yt I may know what I have to do. 

' If they or either of them be in.solent let not them or him, jrt is so, be abated 
of ye full extent of what is written in ye judgment. 

• Give a little assistance to James Sanders to obtain my lettre, which brother 
Woodbridge writes me word he sent long since by major Davison. I suppose it 
was at yt time when - Clark had ye to gelt a canonical auricular con- 
fessor for himsllf and family. 

' Present my service to ye lady Noyes, and ye major the C**** Mr Rich- 
ardson, and any one else, who will send me a cheap freight of good hay, I 
care not how cheap. Believe it, sir. and yt I am your servant, 

N. Saltosstall.' 

October. ' Captain Stephen Greenleaf, lieutenant James Smith, 
ensign William Longfellow Serjeant Increase Piisbury, WiUiam 
Mitchell, Jabez Mu.sgrave of Newbury and four more were cast 
away and drowned at Cape Breton.' * 

Of Jabez Musgrave, mentioned above, Mather, in his Remarka- 
ables, thus speaks In 1684. 

' Remarkable also was that which happened to Jabez ^Musgrave 
of Newbur\', who being shot by an Indian [in 1676] the bullet en- 
tered in at his ear and went out at his eve on the other side of his 
head, yet the man was preserved lirom death yea and stUl is in the 
land of the living.' 

Masgrave was one of the sixteen soldiers from Newbury, who 
volunteered to go in this disastrous e.Kpediiion. 

This year, major Robert Pike, of Salisbury, thus writes : 

' Captain Pierce, captain Noyes, captain Greenleaf, and lieuten- 
ant Moores with the rest of the gentlemen of Newbury, whose 
assistance next under God was the means of the preservation of our 
towns of Salisbury and Amesbury in the day of our distress by 
the assaults of the enemy. 

' First I give you my heartv thanks for your readiness to adven- 
ture yourselves in that service, as alwavs vou have been ready to 
do and so forth. 

' Second, to request the like favour of you upon the like occasion, 
if any such be offered. 

' Third, that no dunl.;^ which is common pay in the countrj-, may 

* Judge Sewall's diary. t ' I hae a guid braid sword. 

I'll take rfuitfi frae naebodv.' Bunu. 



156 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

hinder any advised man from doing thayr duty, which is the advice 
that I give to myself, which you cannot l)ut thuilv have and shall have 
as much diuit as I can bear,' and so forth. 

Captain John IMurch and Mrs. iVnn White were this year licensed 
as innholders. 

This year, Essex soldiers were divided into three regiments. 

1691. 

March 10th. The selectmen were desired to take care that per- 
sons infected with the small pox should be confined, and that their 
'families should not suffer, if they were themselves unable.' * 

Miuj 13///. ' The town voted that from tliis time forward the 
moderator shall be chosen by papers, and that it shall not be in the 
power of any moderator to adjourn a towne meeting but by vote of 
the towne.' * 

' The town grants Mr. Seth Shove thirty pounds for the year 
ensuing, provided he will be our schoolmaster and so forth as fol- 
loweth namely to teach readers free, Latin scholars sixpence per 
week, writers and cyplierers fourpence per week, to keep the school 
one third part of the year at the middle of the new towne. one third 
part at the school house, and the other tliird part about middle way 
between the meeting house and oldtown ferry.' ^ 

June 2\st. The officers of the two militia companies issued an 
order to Heniy Short, requiring him ' in his majesties name to take 
care of his watch every night.' They were fifty-one in all. ' They 
are alike required to come to your house to take their charge. You 
are to order them to go to George Little's garrison, and there one of 
them is to keep his post all the niglit. The rest are to walk three 
in a night to the mill bridge, and from thence to Anthony JMorse's 
house and elsewhere according to your direction. The number of 
men belonging to yom- care and charge are under express,' and so 
forth, and so lorlh. 

Jtilu \Ath. ' The towne understanding that several of the inhab- 
itants of new towne are about calling of Mr. [Edward] Tompson 
to be their minister, the towne did by vote manifest their dislike 
against it, or against any other minister, whom they should call, 
until ye church and towne are agi'eed upon it, looking upon such a 
thing to be an intrusion upon ye church and towne.' 

Aitii-Hst 21s/. The conuuissioner with the selectmen states the 
number of ratable polls to be two hundred and fifty. 

October. Several of the inhabitants of the west end of the town 
petitioned the general court ' to be established a people by them- 
selves for the maintenance of the ministry among them.' 

DcccmlxT. The town did by vote manifest themselves 'against 
the new town having their petifion granted,' and chose a committee 
to present a counter jietition to the general court. 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 157 

This year Newbury was allowed by the general court to have 
another house of entertainment. 



1692. 

In February of this year, commenced the witchcraft delusion, 
which, for a long time, occasioned so much terror, distress, and 
suffering, in several towns in ]Massachusetts. It originated in Salem 
village, now Danvers, in the family of the reverend Samuel Parris, 
whose ' daughter and niece, girls of ten or eleven years of age, and 
two other gii-ls in the neighborhood, began to act very strangely, 
appeared to fall into iits, would creep into holes, under benches and 
chairs,' put themselves into odd postures, and, as the physicians who 
examined them could give no satisfactory name to their apparent 
disorder, and probably feeling that he must say something, one of 
them very gi-avely pronounced them bewitched. From this begin- 
ning, originating in fraud and imposture, and continued by the 
grossest superstition and ignorance, combined with gi-cat fear, for 
no one was safe, arose those accusations and ' prosecutions of the 
people, under the notion of witches, whereby twenty suffered as 
evil doers, (besides those that died in prison,) about ten more 
condemned, a hundi-ed imprisoned, and about two hundred more 
accused, and the country generally in fears, when it would come 
their turn to be accused.' =* In the language of the reverend Charles 
W. Uphara, ' all the securities of society were dissolved. Every 
man's life was at the mercy of every other man. Fear sat on every 
countenance; terror and distress were in all hearts; silence pervaded 
the streets; many of the people left the country; all business was 
at a stand, and the feeling, dismal and horrible indeed, became 
general, that the providence of God was removed from them, and 
that they were given over to the dominion of Satan.' f From this 
awful scourge, Newbury was wholly exempt, though we have 
abundant evidence, that the inhabitants participated in the almost 
universal belief, that witchcraft was a reality. It was a fault of 
the age, from which the most pious, and, in other respects, learned 
men, were not free. Sir Matthew Hale was a firm believer in 
witchcraft, and the celebrated Richard Baxter, in a preface to one 
of Cotton Rlather's sermons, on a case of supposed witchcraft, 
declares, ' that this instance comes with such convincing evidence, 
that he must be an obstinate Sadducee, who will )iot believe it.' It 
is well observed by governor Hutchinson, that 'in all ages of the 
world, superstitious credulity has produced gi-eater cruelty than is 
practised among the Hottentots, or other nations whose belief of a 
deity is called in question.' 

March. Several of the west end people, again made a petition 
and proposition about calling a minister. 



* Robert Calef. t Lectures on witchcraft. 



158 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Maij IXth. Sir William Phipps arrived at Boston, with the new 
charter for the Massachusetts province. 

Jtihi 1-it/i. Thanksgiving appointed on account of peace, the 
charter, and so forth. 

November 1st. By special order of Sir William Phipps, twelve 
soldiers were sent from Newbury to Haverhill. 

December V-itli. Town ordered that 'whosoever shall build any 
vessels on the towne common shall pay to the town threepence per 
ton for the use of the building yard, that they shall improve.' * 

December 20th. The town voted ' that they would call another 
minister at the west end of the towne.' Against this vole, twenty- 
two of the 'west end' men entered their dissent. * 

December 27///. A committee was chosen ' to enquire after a 
suitable person to preach to the west end and to keep schoole.' * 

This year, a petition to divide Essex county was presented to the 
general court ; Newbury was allowed to have another house of en- 
tertainment ; and the gi-and jiu-y of Essex coixnty ' presented Joseph 
Bailey for saying the men appointed by the town to answer the 
petition of those, who wanted another minister were devils incarnate.' 

1693. 

April 20th. The town ' chose Tristram Coffin treasurer for the 
poor.' * 

Mai/ 12th. ' Towne voted that Mr. John Clarke be called to 
assist ]N'L'. Richardson in the work of the ministry at the west end 
of the towne to preach to them one year in order to farther settle- 
ment and also to keep a grammar schoole.' * 

il/rt/y -ilst. The selectmen of Newbury, in tlieir petition to the 
general court, state that ' a long difi'erence has existed between the 
people of Newbury, and those in the west end of the town about 
calling a minister, that the west end people had called IVIr. Edward 
Tomson to preach to them without acquainting the minister, church 
or towne with their proceedings in that alfair, the which when our 
town did understand that they were about to bring him into town, 
the town being met lo consider of it by their vote did declare that 
they were against his coming, or any other until the church and 
town were agreed, yet they persisted in their design and brought 
him in, and when he was come in our minister warned him to 
forbear preaching till the church and town were agreed, yet he 
presumed to set up a lecture, and preach without any allowance of 
ministers, church or town, which when the church did understand, 
thev did call him to accounl. and declared their dislike of his irreg- 
ular proceeding, yet lie hath persisted in these irregularities to the 
great disturbance of our peace, and since upon the request of sev- 
erall of the inhabitants of the west end of our towne, called another 
minister, Mr. John Clark, who hath accepted of the call, and yet 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 159 

there are sevcrall, who refuse to accept of him, pretending they are 
bound to said Tomson, which agreement they made when the rest 
of their neighbors were abovit to make application to the town, 
which was since the late law was made to direct the town to call 
the minister.' 

June 15th. A committee of the west end people, in their petition, 
thus reply. They request the governor and council ' to pity and 
help them,' 'to ease them of a heavy ])ufdcn of travel on God's day.' 
' We have been,' say they, ' endeavoring above these five years to 
have the publick worship of God established among us on the 
Lord's day for reasons such as these. The bulk of us live four 
miles from the ould meeting house, some six or seven. Our num- 
ber is above three hundred. Few of us have horses, and if we 
could get down to llie ould meeting house, it is impossible it should 
receive us with them so that many [would] lay out of doors, the house 
is so little. Some of us have groaned under this burden this thirty 
years, some grown old, some sickly, and although we were favored 
with the liberty granted by king James the second and had erected 
an house to the worship of God on our own cost and charge, and 
acquainted the two next justices with our intent before we built the 
said house. A committee of five were appointed to come on the 
place, but before they had finished their work, the governor anived, 
which caused them to desist. We complained to the governor, 
who granted us a protection from paying to the ould meeting house, 
then countermanded it. The town had a meeting — they intend to 
delude us by granting the help of a schoolmaster at sometimes for 
one yeare. We believe our neighbours would be glad to see us 
quite tired out. We beg the honorable court to establish peace 
among us a rational dividing line.' 

' June loth, 1G93.' 

July 5th. ' The towne in theyr votes for the choyee of a minister 
for the west end of the towne in order to a full settlement in the 
work of the ministry and jMr. John Clarke was then chosen and not 
one vote against him.' * 

July 5th. Twenty-five persons of the west end entered their 
dissent against ' calling Mr. Clark. The reason is because the new 
towne people have a minister already.' * 

This year, a jury of twelve women held an inquest on the body 
of Elizabeth Hunt, of Newbury. The following is an accurate 
copy of their verdict, which was doubtless perfectly conclusive and 
satisfactory. 

' We judge according to our best light and contients, that the 
death of said Elizabetii was not by any violens or wrong dun to 
her by any parson or thing, but by som soden .stoping of her breath.' 

September 2Qth. On this day, the com'l of common pleas held 
its first sessions in Newbury. TIk? com-t was held in the first parish 
meeting-house. 

* Town records. 



160 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1694. 

Februar?/ 2\sf. Liberty was granted to the petitioners ' to erect 
between captain Noyes' lane and Mr. Wood bridge's [upper green] 
a little house for the aeeommodalion of a good and sufficient sclioole 
dame.' A similar petition was granted to deacon William Noyes, 
'to sett up a schoole house upon the towne's land.' 

A salary of ' twenty pounds in money and fifty pounds in graine 
was voted to ye reverend Mr. John Clarke so long as he carry on 
the workc of tiie ministry.' Mr. Clark having declined tiie call, 
Mr. Christopher Toppan was invited 'to preach at the new towne.' 
Mr. Toppan having declined settling, but expressing his willingness 
'to help in the work of the ministry for a year,' the town voted 'to 
give Mr. Toppan forty pounds in money and four contributions a 
year.' 

March 2Gl/i. The town granted permission to .John Kelly, senior, 
to keep a fen-y over the M(>rrimac, at Holt's rocks, 'in the place 
where he now dwells.' Ferriage, ' sixpence for liorse and man, 
and twopence for a single man.' 

September Alh. ' Mr. Joseph Pike and Richard Long,' both of 
Newbury, ' were shot by the Indians as they were traveling near 
the end of Pond plain,' * in Haverhill. 

Sep/emhcr bill. A committee, consisting of Joshua Brown, John 
Ordway, and Samuel Bartlet, petitioned to the general court, ' in 
behalf of the company, tliat as they had erected a meeting house, 
and supplied themselves with a minister yet nevertheless our 
distresses do continually grow upon us toward an insupportable 
extremity, since Ihe imprisoning of some of our number for their 
signifying our dcsin^ to enjoy the minister, whom we had formerly 
invited to preach in the meeting house, which we built at our own 
cost and charge, and some of us have been fined for not delivering 
up the key of the said meeting house.' 

They conclude by requesting the general court, that they would 
' so far interpose in our concerns as to take some cfiectual care lor 
the relief of your petitioners and for the quiet of the whole town, 
the peace whereof is now so dangerously interrupted.'! 

October 22d. ' The town l)roitght in theyr votes by ])apers,' for 
a minister for 'the west end of the towne of Newbury and Mr. 
Christopher Toppan had sixty- five votes and Mr. Tompson 
seventeen.' J 

December 2lsf. A committee of five were chosen 'to draw up 
ai-ticlcs and proposals in order to setting olf part of the west end of 
the towne' } as a separate parish. 

This year, a petition was sent to the governor and council, from 
Newbury and four other towns, for a division of the county of Essex. 

'John and yainncl Bartlet, jVbraham Morrill John Emery and 

* Revcrenil John Pike's jouriuil. t General court files. J Town lei-ords. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 161 

Joseph Bailey were bound over and admonished lor opposing their 
ordained minister, Mr. John Richardson.' 



1695. 

Jammrij \st. The town met and ' voted tliat Pipe-stave hill near 
Daniel Jaques' house shall be the place i'or the meeting house, and 
those that live nearest to that place shall pay to the ministry there, 
and those that live nearest to the old meeting house shall pay there, 
the inhabitants at the west end to choose a minister for themselves, 
only Mr. Tompson excepted.' ' And the meeting house to stand 
where it do, until the major part of them see cause to remove it.' 
' The dividing line shall be from the middle way from the prefixed 
place in Pipe-stave hill and the old meeting house, to run on a 
sti-aight line to Francis Brown's house near Bnchen meadows and 
so straight over to the little pond.' * 

January 2fl. Tristram Coffin, Henry Short, and Abraham Mer- 
rill, divided the town into two parishes. 

Hugh March, in behalf of himself and brother, captain John 
INIarch, petitioned the town 'to grant them a piece of ground and 
flatts to build a wharf and dock near captain IMarch's barn.'* 
This petition was granted on certain conditions, January sLxteenth, 
provided they are built ' within three years.' * 

March Vflh. ' Mr. John Woodbridge dies, a good man and a 
constant attendant upon God in his publick worship on the Lord's 
day.' t 

June 5th. ' Town voted to give Mr. Christopher Toppan Uventy 
pounds yearly in money and three hundi-ed pounds a year in good 
countiy pay so long as he carries on one half of the ministry among 
them, and thirty pounds a year so long as he shall keep a grammar 
and a writing schoole, the scholars to pay as they did to Mr. John 
Clarke,' which proposals I\Ii'. Toppan accepted, July seventeenth. 

September 9/h. ' Twenty-four men at Pemaquid, going to get 
wood, are shot, four of whom are dead. Serjeant Hugh March, 
[of Newbury,] George's son, was killed at the first shot.' f 

October 1th. On the afternoon of this day, five Indians attacked 
and plundered the house of John Brown, who lived on the westerly 
side of Turkey hill, and captivated nine persons; one only ol the 
family escaped to tell the tale. On the same day, colonel Daniel 
Pierce sent the following letter to colonel Appleton and colonel 
Wade, of Ipswich. 

' Sir, this afternoon there came the enemy to a house in our town and went in 
and took and carried away nine persons and phindered the house, and as near 
as we can jrather, they went southwestwardly lietwccn Boxford and Bradford. 
We can not salher that there were above five of the enemy, but niirht came on 
80 that we could not pursue them, but we have lined Merrimac river with about 
fourscore men to watch lest they should carry the captives over the river, and 

* Town records. 1 Judge Sewall's diary. 

21 



162 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

do design in ihe moming to pursue them and range the woods with all the force 
we can make, and think it advisable that you range the woods towards Andover, 
and that Rowley towards Bradford, for if they escape us it will be an encourage- 
ment to thera. Sir. I do thinly the ease requires our utmost industry who am 
your friend and servant, 

D. Pierce. 
October 7th, 1695.' 

To thii letter was appended the following. 

' Colonel Gedney, 

Honored sir, it is thought advisable on the consideration abovesaid yt it 
may be benehcial for the several companies in the several townes to range ye 
woods with all possible speed towards Bradford and Andover and so towards 
Merrimack river, .so that if it might be ye enemy may be found and destroyed, 
which spovle our people. 

Ipswich, October eighth, at live in the morning. 

Your servant, 

Sa.muel Api'letox.' 

Three hours after this, colonel Thomas Wade thus writes from 
Ipswich. 

' Honored sir, 
Just now captain Wicom brings information that the last night captain 
Greenleaf with a party of men met with the enemy by the river side, have re- 
deemed all the captives but one, which they doubt is killed. Three of the hi- 
diaus got into a canoe and made escape, and the other two ran into the woods. 
Captain Greenleaf is wounded in the side and arm, how much we know not, 
which is all at present from your servant, 

Tho.mas Wade.' 

Judge Sewall, in his journal, says, ' all the captives were brought 
back, save one boy, that was Idlled. The Lidians knocked tiie rest 
on the head, save one infant.' 

Reverend John Pike, in his journal, states, that 'the captives were 
all retaken but some died of tlieir wounds.' 

On the lifili of March, 1696, captain Greenleaf addressed the fol- 
lowing petition to the general court. 

' The petition of captain Stephen Greenleaf of Newbury, 
' Humbly sheweth, 

' That upon the seventh of October last about three o'clock in the 
afternoon a party of Indians surprised a family at Turkey hill in said town cap- 
tivated nine persons, women and children, rifled the house, carrying away bed- 
ding and other goods. Only one person escaped and gave notice to the next 
family and they, the town. Upon the alarm your petitioner with a party of men 
pursued after the enemy, endeavouring to line the river Merrimack to prevent 
their passage, by which means the captives were recovered and brought back. 

' The enemy lay in a gully hard by the highway and about nine at night made 
a shot at your petitioner and shot him through the wrfst between the bones, and 
also made a larse wound in his side, which wounds have been very painful and 
costly to your petitioner in the cure of them and have in a great measure utterly 
taken away the use of his left hand and wholly taken him off from his employ- 
ment this winter. 

■ Your petitioner therefore humbly prays this honored court that they would 
make him such compensation as shall seem fit, which he shall thankfully 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 163 

acknowledge and doubts not but will be an encouragement to others speedily to 
relieve their neighbours when assaulted by so barbarous an enemy, 
And )Our petitioner shall ever pray, 

Stephen Greenleaf. 

'March 6tJt. Read and voted that there be paid out of the province treasury 
to the petitioner the sum of forty pounds.' 

From one of John Brown's descendants, William G. "White, I 
learn the follo\\ing particulars as a family tradition. The Indians 
had secreted themselves for some lime near the house, waiting for 
the absence of the male members of the family, who, about three 
o'clock, departed with a load of turnips. The Indians then rushed 
from thek concealment, tomahawked a girl, who was standing at the 
front door. Another girl, who had concealed herself as long as the 
Indians remained, immediately after their departure gave the alarm, 
which resulted as before related. The coat, which captain Green- 
leaf wore Ln his pursuit of the Indians, is still preserved by his de- 
scendants, together with the bullet, wiiich was extracted from his 
wound. This, I believe, is the only instance, in which the Indians 
either attacked, captivated, or Idlled, any of the inhabitants of 
Newbury. 

From the original document now in my possession, I copy the 
following. 

'October \ith, 1695. To Abraham Merrill of Newbury. 

' These Are In his Majesty's name to will and Requier you to take the Gear to 
seat the watch of five men A night Be^ining att Samuel Poores and Job Pils- 
buryes and all Sayers Lean llan^e] to Edward Poores and soe Runing by ye 
Road to Hartichoak river and soe Notherly Except the Boundars. You Are 
Likewise Required to Ordar two of said watchmen upon Dewty to walke Dowen 
to Daniel jNIerrill's and two more to John Ordways att thaier returen Always 
keeping' out a Sentinell upon dewty. You are also to Make return of all defacts 
imto the Capten to whom they belong forthwith. It is also desiered that you 
demand and require ye fien for each man's defeact and upon their refusall to 
make return as aforesaid.' 

December ISfJi. The town, ' on the request of the inhabitants of 
the west end of the towne of Newbury, granted them five acres of 
land on the east side of Artichoke river for a pasture for the minis- 
try and one acre of land near the west meeting house, and when the 
major part shall see cause to remove the said meeting house, the 
land shall be at the disposal of the towne to proctire land for the 
ministry, near the west meeting house, tuhert removed^* 



1696. 

Fehniarji 2Sth. A rate was made for payment of building and 
finishing the west end meeting-house and ministry house. The ex- 
pense was twenty-two pounds and three siiiilings in money, and 
two hundred and eighteen pounds, eighteen shillings, and twopence 

* Town records. 



164 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

in pay. Tliis was due from sixty-four persoiis. Of tliis number, 
twenty-four, namely, Benjamin and Joseph Morse, Thomas, Daniel 
and Moses Chase, John, senior, John, junior, and Abiel Kelly, Mr. 
Abraham Annis and Isaac, Joseph Richardson, Abel Iluse, Caleb 
Moody, Benjamin Low, Tristram Greenleaf, Daniel Morrison, Ed- 
ward Woodman, John Hoag, Hanariah Ordway, Thomas Follans- 
bee, lieutenant John Emerson, Thomas Williams, Francis Willet, 
and Samuel Sayer, junior, objected to the continuance of the meet- 
ing house on the plains, and wished to have it removed to Pipe 
stave hill. The contest, thus commenced, continued for many years 
with an obstinacy and bitterness, to which the annals of Newbury 
furnish no parallel. Its results we shall hereafter see. 

March Is/. The town granted to Stephen Greenleaf ' four or 
five rods on the Halts from Watts' cellar spring to ensign Greenleaf's 
and Mr. Davison's grant from high water mark to low water mark 
to build a wharfe and a place to build vessels uppon,' on certain 
conditions, one was ' that it come not within ten or twelve feet of 
the spring.'* 

Jiih/ 2i)lh. The town offers Mi-. Nicholas Webster thirty pounds 
a year in country pay to keep a ' grammer schoole jjrovided he de- 
mand but fourpence per week for Latin scholars and teach the town's 
children to read, write and cypher without pay.'* 

September 9lh. Reverend Christopher Toppan ordained. 

' The winter of this year was the coldest since the first settlement 
of New England.' Leitns^s history of Li/ini. 

1697. 

March. Laid out to Stephen Greenleaf a ' parcel of flatts and 
rocks lying on Merrimack river near Watts' cellar, bounded north- 
erly by the river, easterly by major Davison's grant, southerly by 
the common land of Newbury and the ^\'esterly bound comes 
within about fifteen foot of the spring.' 

^ March 11th. The town laid out to Anthony Somerby a piece of 
land three rods square, lying at the place knowne by the name of 
Glading's spring | bounded by the coinviuii. or 'undivided land of 
Newbiiri/ on ever// side, bounded with a small rock at every corner, 
for the convenience of dressing of leather.' * 

^ April 25th, Tharsdai/. This day is signalized by ye achieve- 
ment of Hannah Dunstan, Mary Nefi' and Samuel Lennardson, 
who killed two men, two women, and six others and brouglu home 
their scalps.' J 

This year ensign James Noyes made a great discovery. It is 
thus mentioned liy Judge Sewall in his diary. 

' 1697. Colonel Pierce gave an account of ye bt)dy of limestone 
discovered at Newbury and the order of the selectmen published by 

* Town records. 

t ' Glading's spring' is a few rods southwesterly from Mr. Silas Noyes's house. 

t Judge Sew;dl. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 105 

James Brown deputy sheriff, to prohibit any persons from carrying 
any more away under ye penahy ol' twenty shillini^s. It seems they 
began to come witii teams tliirly in a day. Tlie town will have a 
meeting and bring it to some regulation. Our Mumford says 't is 
good marble. Ensign James Noyes found it out.' 

We at the present time can hardly conceive of the excitement 
occasioned in the town and neighborhood by this discovery. It was 
deemed by judge Sewall worthy of special notice, as an answer, 
among other things, to a letter written from New England to Old 
England, ' discoursing of an impossibility of subsisting here.' He 
thus wirites in his ' Phepnomena qutedara apocalyptica,' page sLxty- 
fourth, pubUshed this yeai-. 

' This summer ensign James Noyes hath happily discovered a 
body of marble at Neicbvry, within half a mile of the navigable 
part of Little river, by which means very good hme is made within 
the province.' 

From this extract it would appear that this body of limestone was 
the first discovered in Massachusetts. Certain it is, that vast quan- 
tities of lime of the best quality were annually made in Newbury, 
for nearly a century, for export as well as for home use. Prior to 
this time, lime was manufactured from oyster and clam shells. Lewis, 
in his very minute and accurate history of Lynn, informs us under 
the year 1696, that ' immense numbers of great clams were thrown 
upon the beaches by storms. The people were permitted, by a vote 
of the town, to dig and gather as many as they wished for their own 
use, but no more ; and no person was allowed to carry any out of 
the town, on a penalty of twenty shillings. The shells were gath- 
ered in cart loads on the beach and manufactm-ed into lime.' 

Jiity. ' Sore and long conlinued drought.' 

Jul}) 22(1. 'Drought continuing many of the towns and churches 
had days of fasting and prayer.' * 

September 12th. ' Our army abroad under the command of ma- 
jor John March [of Newbury] going ashore at a place, called Dam- 
aris cove, a small island in the eastern parts, the Indians being there, 
they waylaid them and killed several of them. Our English fought 
bravely and drove them off the island.' ^ 

September 22d. The town chose ' major Daniel Davison, corpo- 
ral George March and ensign James Noyes, as a committee, who 
shall inspect into all matters concerning the; lime stones in any of 
the undivided lands in the town, who shall have the sole ordering, 
disposing and importing said lime stones for the town's use in what 
way and manner they shall judg sh;dl most conduce to the benefit of 
thetowne,' and so forth, and so forth. The committee were to keep 
accurate accounts of all disbursements and profits, which were to be 
read once every six months in a public town meeting. All persons 
were prohibited, under a penalty of twenty shillings the hogsljead 
and proportionable for smaUcr quantities, who should presume to 

* Fairfield's journal. 



166 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

dig oi' carry away or dispose of any of the aforesaid limestone, and 
so fort 1 1. 

' It was also voted that the kiln for burning said lime shall be 
built at or near the end of Muzzle's lane next Merrimack river.' * 

' The Idln ' mentioned above was the kiln in which the lime was 
burnt by the committee for the benefit o.f the town. Lime kilns 
owned by individuals in various parts of the town were numerous. 

'■Aitn-Hst. Ordered by the selectmen that the river called by the 
Indians Quasacuncon and has since been called by divers names, 
as Newbury river, Oldtown river, be from this time called by the 
name of the river Parjicr in remembrance of the worthy, learned, 
and reverend minister Mr. Thomas Parker, who was a first planter 
and pastor of ye cintrch of Newbury and learned schoolmaster.'* 

NovcDihrr Stii. The town voted tiint the assessors 'raise the tax 
on polls one penny on the poll for every penny that they raise upon 
ye pound.' * 

' Also voted that the selectmen procure a fiagg for the meeting 
iiouse to be put out at the ringing of the first bell, and taken in when 
the last bell is rung.'* 

'As I lay in my bed this morning,' says judge Sewall, 'this verse 
ran in my mind : 

' To horses, swine, neat cattle, sheep and deer, 
Ninety and seven proved a mortal jear.' 



1698. 

3Inij ifh. ' The towne voted that Mr. George March should be 
paid for fencing in the burying place.' 

/;//// ')l/i. ' The towne voted tliat they would l)uild a new meeting 
house, and for that purpose chose the worshipful colonel Daniel 
Pierce, captain Thomas Noyes and Serjeant Stephen Jaques a com- 
mittee, who on October fifth made their report.' 

December 2lst. ' The towne voted that Serjeant Stephen .Tatjues 
should build a meeting house sixty feet in lengih fifty feet in breadth 
and twenty feet in the stud for five hundred and thirty pounds.' 
The next February, 'the town voted to have the meeting bouse 
twenty-four feet post instead of twenty and to pay serjeant Jaques 
twenty pounds more.' 

Ortobcr 26/A. A church was gathered in the west precinct, and 
on November tenth the reverend Samuel Belcher Avas ordained 
their minister. 

November. ' Near the close of this month,' savs Fairfield, in his 
diary, ' there was a general contribution in llie |)rovince for the 
relief of captives in Mequinez in Morocco." In a letter to colonel 
Thomas Noyes on this subject, honorable Andrew Belcher thus 
writes. ' On the sixth of December 1698 you paid me three pounds 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 167 

eight shillings and ten pence, it being the collection of some of the 
inhabitants of Newbury, towards the relief of the captives in Sallee.' * 

' This year, Ezra Cottle commenced ship-bnilciiiig, at or near the 
foot of Chandler's lane [Federal street] where Mr. William John- 
son built.' t 

The town made some new regulations about the lime stones, and 
' voted that four shillings per ton shall be paid for lime stones, 
transportation, and that no more be sold out of the towne till fm-tiicr 
order.' f 

1699- 

' The town,' on certain conditions, ' gi-anted to Ebenezer Knowl- 
ton nine rods of land for the selling up a tanning trade.' f 

December ISlh. ' Colonel Daniel Pierce and colonel Thomas 

Noyes were impowered to employ ye honorable captain Samuel 
Sewall to procure a good and sufficient meeting house bell for the 

towne of is'ewbury, suitable for oiu- towne considering the remote- 
ness of our dwellings.' f 

1 700. 

' This year,' says the reverend Richard Brown, in his diary, ' has 
been famous for three things, namely: 

' First, for yt the winter was turned into summer, or at least we 
have had litlle or none, the ground being bare for the most part, 
though we have had snow at some limes, yet very shallow, not 
exceeding above twelve inches and that by an advance of southerly 
gales faded away speedily. 

' Second, an earthquake on the last of January, which was con- 
siderably great. 

'Third, anotiier on the last of February passingly considerable.' 

April 22d. ' Serjeant Stephen Jaques was ordered to hang the 
old meeting house bell in the new turret.' 

September ISt/t. ' The town voted to have the new meeting 
house composed with seats as the old one was, except ten feet on 
three sides for pews and alleys.' 

October ISth. ' Voted tliat a pew be buill for ihe minister's wife 
by the pulpit stairs, that colonel Daniel Pierce should have the fu-st 
choice for a pew and major Thomas Noyes shall have the next 
choice and that colonel Daniel Pierce esquire, and Tristram Coffin 
esquire be impowered to procure a bell of about four hundred 
pounds weight.' f 

This year a house was built for the poor to live in. 

November iith. Permission was granted to twenty persons ' to 
build pews on the lower floor for themselves and families.' 

In November of this year, Hester Rogers, of Newbury, was 

• Robert Adams's maousciipts. t Town records. 



16S HISTORY OP NEWBURY. 

arrested on suspicion of murdering her child. The following is a 
literal copy of the constable's bill. 

'John Pike, constable for ye town of Newbnry.' 

' His bill of cost for seaseing and securing the body of Hester Rogers of said 
Newbury apprehended by one of his majestie's justices for murdering her 
chihJren in ye year 1700. 

Item, for procuring of a warrant for seasins' her body . . . £0, Is. 
Item, by guarding of ye body of the said Rogers night and day with two 
men from ve tliirteenth of November 1700 until ye ninth day of 

December'noo . 6, 10 

Item, by setting said guard dayly with new men at sixpence per time 0, 13 
Item, by conveying of her body to Ipswich gaol .... 0, 8 

Item, for fier wood and attendance dining said term of lime, . . 1, 12 
Item and also for fier wood and trobaling ye house, . . . 1, 00 



,£10, 04.5 
John PiivE, constable as abovesaid.' 

Decrmbrr (>///. The committee appointed to ' seat the meeting 
house,' performed their task. The number of men and women to 
whom seats were assigned, were three hundred and thirteen, whose 
names are all recorded. 

From a testimony on file in the c[uarte>rly court, it appears, that, 
so late as this year, only two houses had been erected on the banks 
of the Merrimac, in Newbnry. One of these, owned by doctor 
Humphrey Bradstreet, stood near the head of Hale's wharf, the 
other, owned by Daniel Pierce, was farther south. 

17 1. 

Blarch 18//;. The canopy of the old pulpit was given by the 
town ' to the west part of Newbury for their pulpit.' ^ 

In .Judge Sewali's diary I find the following, by which it appears 
that Hester Rogers had her trial at Boston. 

' July loth. Esther Rogers was tried and condemned for murder. 
]Mi\ Cook pronounced the sentence.' 

From Faii'field's journal 1 make ihe following extract: 

'July thirty-first, a young woman, named E.sther Rogers was e.xecuted at 
Ipswieli for murdering her child (a mulatto) of whom it may be noted, she was 
a poor sinful creature, as vile as ordinarily any are under the light of the 
gospel, and one, who had a child by a negro at Newbnry, when she was about 
seventeen years of age, as she herself coitfessed, and that she murdered it and 
buried it in the garden, and four years after had a cliild again and murdered 
that, but could not conceal it. Of her carriage in prison and at the e.vecution 
there is an account printed with three sermon.s in Ipswich on occasion thereof.' 

Tradition informs us that Esther Rogers drowned her child in the 
pond behind the first parish meeting-house. 

In October, Thomas Mossuin, a colored man, was ordered to 
leave town with his family. 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 169 

' October loth. Voted to give Mr. Richard Brown and IVIr. INIoses 
Hale twelve shillings per sermon for every sermon that they preached 
to us during I\Ir. Toppan's sickness.' * 

December 9th. The town voted to abate one halt" the minister's 
rate of sixteen persons at ' the falls,' for the coming year. * 



1702. 

January ISth. The town voted to divide according to 'former rule 
eighteen hundred acres of the lower commons, reserving pasturage 
for foiu- cows for the mhiistry in the east end of the towne, three for 
the ministry in the west end, three for the free school and the herb- 
age of twenty cows for the benefit of the town's poor.' * 

Jnli/ 22d. Town voted to give Mr. Richard Brown twenty 
pounds for his yearly salary, and to have fourpence a week for his 
Latin scholars. 

Town also chose ' the selectmen a committee to consider and re- 
port what it will cost to remove the old meeting house farther from 
the new meeting house and to filt it up for a court house, towne 
house and school house.' * 

Sometime this year, the people residing within tlie limits of what 
was afterward incorporated as Byfield parish, built a meeting-house 
near the place where the present house now stands. As the parish 
comprehended a part of Newbury, and a part of Rowley, it was at 
first called ' Rowlbury.' Rlehetabel, wife of William Moody, and 
daughter of Henry Sewall. who died August second, 1702, aged 
thirty, was the first person interred in the burying ground there. 



1703. 

March 9lh. ' The town voted to pay four pounds to those who 
killed two wolves at the Ipswich end of Plum island.' * 

The town also ' voted to let the ferry over the river Parker for four 
years at fom- pounds a year to corporal Richard Jackman, who is to 
carry all the court officers, going and returning from court, all town 
officers, when employed by the town, and all the rams, belonging to 
the town, feny free.' * 

March 17th. Town voted that the old meeting-house be repaired 
and fitted for a court house, ' school house and town house.' * 

' Thirty rods of land were granted to Richard Goodwin on the 
southerly side of the gi-eat hill, said Goodwin engaging himself and 
heyrs, never to keep a dogg, whilst he or they shall dwell on said 
land.' * 

This year ' Benaiah Titcomb's vessel was captured on his voyage 
from Antigua to Newbury.' 

September 28th. There was a great snow storm. 

* Town records. 



170 HISTORY OF KEWBURY. 

In November, captain John jMarch petitioned the general court to 
grant him some compensation for tlie losses he sustained in his de- 
fence of Casco fort. He says, ' I forsook my own habitation at 
Newbury and removed my family, stock of cattle and so forth to 
the said fort, upon which upon the perfidious breach made by that 
barbarous people, your petitioner was in utmost hazard of losing 
his life, and by a wonderful preservation escaped the hands of those 
infidels, and did actually lose more than five hundred pounds of his 
estate.' Among his losses, he mentions 'sloop and furniture, 
eighty-nine head of sheep and cattle, five and a half acres of wheat, 
six acres of as good peas as ever I saw, four and a half acres of 
Indian corn,' and so forth. 

^NoL^emher2Qlh. The general court granted to captain John March 
fifty pounds in consideration of the brave defence of his majesty's 
fort at Casco bay, when lately attacked by the French and Indian 
enemy, and of the wounds he then received.' * 



1704. 

Januari/ 5///. ' The town voted that tAvo shillings and sixpence 
per ton shall be paid for lime stone, provided that they that buy them, 
dig them, and burn them in Newbury.' f 

'■Jaiinari/ 19ih. The town chose a committee to mcasm-e and di- 
vide the bank against Merrimack river, and voted that two men be 
hired to watch and ward upon the river until it breaks up.' f 

Febntan/ 2i!li. ' This day the new pai'ishioners met in the house, 
built for their minister and agTce to call the precinct Byfield.' J 

The following is a copy of a letter from Judge Sewall to his 
brother, William Moody of Newbury. 

'Boston, April \st, 1704. 
' Loving brother, 

' After your heing here last I vrnlt a letter to colonel Byfield and in- 
formed him tliat you had named your infant parish Byfield, and would from 
hencefortli look upon him as your patron, and be ready a'ratefully to acknowledge 
any countenance or favour he should be pleased to aliord you. To this elfect 
in more words. This day I received a letter from colonel Byfield, in which are 
these words ; 

' I am surprised at the account you give me of the name of a new town upon 
the river Parker near Newbury. How they hitt upon my name I can't imagine. 
I heartily wi.sh them prosperity ; and if anv respect to me was the cause, it is 
an obligation upon me (when God shall enable me) to study how I may be ser- 
viceable to them.' 

' I called it only a parish. What if Mr. Hale should write a letter to colonel 
Byfield, intimating the matter of fact, that it was in regard to him. You have 
been informed of his parentage. He has only two daughters. Madam Lyde and 
Madam Taylor. I believe he is a good man, and a fast friend, very industrious 
and thorow in promoting what he undertakes.' 

S.vMi'in, Sewall. 

* Province records. t Town records. ( .liulge Sewall's diary. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 171 

March 2Sth. The court again confirmed tlio ferry to colonel John 
March, which was granted him in 1687. 

Aitg-usl '3d. Colonel N. Saltonstall thus writes to colonel Thomas 
Noyes : 

' Sir, by his excellency's express direction I command you in her 
majesty's name forthwith to appoint and set forth one half of your 
company by name and have them ready, well fixt with arms and 
ammunilion and ten days' provision to march at an hour's warning. 
The command is strict.' 

September 2Sth. He thus writes : ' I desire and order that by 
tomorrow morning at farthest you press and post at your block 
houses in Newbiuy twelve able souldiers, three at each of your four 
[block] houses, to abide there night and day, to watch.' 

The expense this year for these block-houses was one hundred 
and six pounds, ten shillings, and seven pence. 

November Wth. ' Henry Lunt, Thomas Newman, and Richard 
Dole,' captains of freighting sloops from Newbury, complained to 
the general covu-t of the conduct of captain TuthUl, of the castle, 
who ' brought all their vessels to an anchor, took them out, carried 
them to the casde, demanded money for a shot, which he said was 
fired at them, made them pay six shillings and eight pence apiece, 
one sluUing apiece for pass money, and three shillings apiece to 
can-y them back to then- vessels again.' * 

In 1702, 'walnut w^ood was five shillings per cord, oak three 
shillings,' cotton wool one shilling and ten pence per poitnd, corn 
two shillings per bushel. In this year, 1704, cider was six shillings 
per barrel. In 1703, tm-nips were one shilling and three pence per 
bushel, and 1703, one and eight pence, and in 1711 slmgeon was 
two pence per pound.f 

1705. 

February dth. The town ' voted to apportion the flatts among 
the proprietors ' by lot, and on February thirteenth, ' that they should 
begin next JMr. Pierce's meadow and that there should be a way 
above said lots two rods broad.' ij: By tliis it appears that ' Water 
street ' was not laid out till this year. 

The number of the river lots was two hundred and tw^enty-four. 

February 20lh. Governor Dudley thus writes to colonel Salton- 
stall : ' I pray you to give direction that yovu- snow-shoe men from 
Newbury to Andover be ready at a moment's warning till the 
weather breaks up, and then we may be quiet awhile.' 

May 2'M. The ' old meeting house was granted to Eichard 
Brown with liberty to remove it.' J 

Juhj Wth. The 'ferry over Merrimack river between Newbury 
and Salisbury near captain Edward Sargent's,' was purchased by 
the town, of colonel John ]\Iarch, for two hundred and forty pounds, 

* Province Records. t Old account books. } Town records. 



172 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

and on March fifth, 1706, ' they sold one half of it to Salisbury for 
one hundred and twenty pounds.' 

June 27/ h. Governor Dudley orders colonel SallonstaU 'to de- 
tach twenty able soldiers of the Newbury militia and have them 
rendezvous at Haverhill on July fifth.' 

On the appearance of these men at Haveriiill, colonel N. Salton- 
staU thus writes to colonel Noyes : 

'Haverhill, July nth, 1705. 

' I received your return of ye twenty men ye Governor commanded me to 
call for, and when ye persons (which I can 't call men) appeared, even a con- 
siderable number of them, to be but boys, or children, and not fit for service, 
blind in part, and deaf, and cross-handed, I stopt till I waited on ye governor, 
ye twelfth instant and upon libertie to speak with him, I with ye major have 
taken the best care we can to keep the men and children sent hither for ye 
present, till I may have opportunity to tell you the queen likes it not, to be 
served in this manner. 

' But one in special, Nicholas ******* by name, is Mind, and deaf, and 
small, and not fit to be continued, and therefore to be short, I send Nicholas 
******* home to you, and do expect that you will send some able man in his 
place, if you have an able one in Newbury. 

' The other diminutives are sent out to garrison at present, or else you had 
metl with them to return to yon for ye like exchanue. 

' My heart, if it speaks, is full I wait a suitable time, to tell you what I have 
to say on her majesty's behalf To take boyes for oriiiinally prest men, and 
they hired too, I know not ye regularity of it. I shall be glad to see you, and 
intend to do it at Haverhill or Newbury or a middle place, as you will desire, 
if I am able to attend, to see what is right and what is our duty for us to do. 

Your very humble servant, 

To lieutenant-colonel Thomas Noyes.' Nathaniel Saltonstall. 

Li another letter he thus WTites : 

'Ausrust 4th, 1705. 

' One Smith came this day with two of his sons in order to get a release for 
John Dauford. I wonder how you concern voursclt'so much about this man, 
to get Danford home, and disregard your default and have not yet sent a good 
man for that pitiful insufficient sick man Nicholas ******* whom I sent ott 
ye sixteenth of Jidy last to you to send a better hand, and he to returne in two 
days time to me, but he is not yet come, nor other for him. Pray consider what 
lyes at your doore and do not deale so unhandsomely with your patient friend 
and humble servant, 



To lieutenant-colonel Thomas Noyes.' 



1706 



N. Saltonstall. 



January Atli. ' Voted that the new bell be hanged in the tun-et of 
the meetins; liouse with all convenient speede. Also to take care 
that the bell be rung at nine of the chick (>very night and that the 
day of the month be every night lolled.'* 

The inscri])tJon round the bell is: 'let us love as brethren. 
Matthew Bagley fundit, 1705.' 

' The town granted to tsvelve persons a piece of ground between 

* To\vn records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 173 

the watch-house and the meeting house pond joyning to doctor 
Toppan's fence to set up a stable.' * 

March. ' Many sheep were drowned this month in Newbury, 
by the overflo\\ing of Merrimack river, the ice being jam'd.' f 

October 2lst. ' The Newbm-y part of Byfield was set off for so 
long a time as they shall maintain an orthodox minister amongst 
them.' * 

October 2Zd. Henry Short, the town clerk, died. 

October 'SOth. Mi: "Richard Brown was chosen to supply his 
place. At the same meeting, the town voted to employ ' Serjeant 
Joseph Pike to build a bridge over Indian river near his saw-mill.' * 

N'orember 17th. Reverend Moses Hale was ordained the minis- 
ter of the ' falls ' parish, but had preached for them about four years.;]: 

February/ 2Sth. ' The town chose a committee of three to pro- 
ceed and buUd a meeting house at Pipe-stave hill.' * For a more 
full account, see under the year 1712. 

1707. 

Jamiarji 29th. The ' town voted that there be a gaole or prison 
built in Newbury, for the ease of the subject, for the restraining of 
much vice and keeping up of the order of government, provided 
the county be at one half of the cost and chai'ge.' * 

1708. 

Maij 2Gth. The general court ' ordered that colonel Thomas 
Noyes [of Newbury] shall for the present ease of her majesty's 
subjects, whose situation makes it disputable to which of the prov- 
inces they belong, notify the gentlemen appointed by IMassachusetts 
and New Hampshire, to meet at such time and place as he shall 
appoint,' in order to run the line 'that they may not be oppressed by 
a demand upon them by both governments.' 

June ISth. The town ' voted that the nine a clock bell should be 
rung at nine of the clock precisely, nightly for the year ensuing.' * 

.Mij 6th. The town's commons ' were divided into four general 
pastures. The first, the common land at the neck. The second, 
the old town common to ]Mr. Short's farm. The thnd to extend 
near to the dwelling house of corporal James Smith and to run up 
by the brook, whereon the new bridge is to Mr. March's fai-m and 
by the southerly side of said farm to the birchen meadows and the 
rest of said common at the new town to be the fourth.' * 

'Avg-ust. There was a great drought.' § 

This year Joseph Luiit rode post. 

Av-^nist 29th. Joseph Eartlct, of Newbury, was taken captive by 
the French and Indians in their attack on Haverhill, and carried into 

* Town records. t Sewall's diarj'. 

t Parish records. 4 Fairfield's journal. 



174 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Canada, wliere he remained ov^er foiw years. See his narrative, 
appendix (r. 

Liberty to build a saw mill was ganled to Edmund Goodridge 
and John Noyes, junior, for twenty-one years on ' cart creek.' 



1709. 

March 8th. The town ' voted that the selectmen shall take care 
that the burying place may be fenced.' * 

March l^Jth. ' Voted that the selectmen be impowcred to dispose 
of the lime stones.' * 

' Voted also to petition the coml of sessions for liberty to hang 
gates across the country high ways in Newbury where shall be 
thought needful.' * 

March 22d. ' Voted that there should be gates hung across the 
town high ways, where it shall be thought most convenient for the 
fencing off the pastiires,' * that is, the four general pastures. 

' Great ch'ought this year. In October, want of water for men 
and cattle.' f 

' 3Iai/. An expedition was formed against Canada. On the tenth 
there was an impress for soldiers. Some say every tenth man was 
taken.' $ 

1710. 

March 7th. A committee was chosen by the town ' to discourse 
with Benjamin Rolfe about purchasing the lane called Kolfe's lane 
in order to make it a highway for the town's use.' ^ 

In June of this year there was an extreme drought. 

October 2Sth. Byfield jjarish was incorporated. It was at first 
called Rowlinuy, being formed from a part of Newbury and a part 
of Rowley. 

1711. 

April 24///. 'John Kent of ihe island had his barn burnt by ta- 
backo with six oxen and four calves and a goose, that was bringing 
young ones.' f 

July 30///. Fleet set sail for Canada. 

' Cottle's lane,' once so called, now South street, was bought and 
laid out 'one rod and a half wide from Ezra C'ottles to the way by 
Merrimack.' 

The town ' voted that the grammar school lie removed to Green- 
leaf's lane or near thereabouts.' Greenlcaf's lane is now State 
street. 

'John Swett was licensed by the court to keep the feny at Holt's 

* Town records. t Sewall's diary. | Fairfield's journal. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 175 

rocks September twenty-fifth. Fare twopence for a man and four 
pence for a horse.' 

The town voted that Benjamin Morse should 'ring the bell at 
nine o' clock every night, and sabbath days and lec1iu-e days, and 
said ftlorse is to winge or rub down the principal seats the day after 
sweeping the meeting house — and to toull the bell till the minister 
comes.' * 

October 9th. Deacon Nathaniel Coffin was chosen town clerk, 
in room of Mr. Richard Brown, resigned. On leaving town for 
Reading, where he was ordained as minister, June twenty-fifth, 
1712, he left the following on the fly leaf of the town book. 

' I have served Newbury as schoolmaster eleven years and as town clerk five 
years and a half and have been repaid with abuse, contempt and ingratitude. 
I have sent nigh as many to college as all the masters before me since the rev- 
erend and learned Parker. Those I have bred think themselves better than 
their master (God make them better still) and yet they may remember ye foun- 
dation of all their growing greatness was laid in the sweat of my brows. 

' I pray that poor unacknowledging Newbur)' may get them that may serve 
them better and find thanks when they have done. 

' If to find a house for ye school two years when ye town had none, if to take 
the scholars to my own fire when there was no wood at school as frequently, if 
to give records to the poor, and record their births and deaths gratis, deserve.s 
acknowledgements, then it is my due, but hard to come by. 



Est aliqua ingrato meritum exprobare voluptas 
Hoc fruar, hcec de te gaudia sola feram. 



A later writer adds the following lines. 



R. Brown.' 



' The lines above do seem to me absurd, 
Which by a scholar are left on record 
Such boasting as school master is very wrong. 
Such boasting don't of right to man belong.' 

The town employed Joshua Moody to teach the gi-ammar school 
the remainder of the year, and voted that the grammar school be 
removed to Greenleaf 's lane, [State street.] 

Town also ' voted that the selectmen shall forthwith employ sev- 
eral persons to take care ye boys be kept in order on sabbath days 
and satisfie said persons out of ye money of ye parish, to which 
they belong for their sai'vice.' 



1712. 

March 11th. The town ' voted that a house for ye keeping ye 
grammar school in shall be built and set up near ye middle way 
between ye old school house and the little old house now standing 
by the way near frog pond.' * 

Li the beginning of this year, a few individuals residing near 

* Town records. 



176 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

what is called ' the plains,' separated from the church and society, 
with which they had been hitherto connected, and declared them- 
selves in favor of the episcopal form of worship. As the causes, 
which led them to dissent from the accustomed order of the New 
England churches, have never been fully explained, ' the narrative ' 
of those causes, drawn from authentic documents, ' cannot,' in the 
language of the reverend doctor Morss, ' fail of being interesting 
and instructive.' 

As early as March, 1685, the people at the west end of the town, 
on account of the increase of their numbers, and their distance from 
the ' meeting house,' petitioned the town for ' some help in the min- 
istry amongst' them. As the reply to this petition was not satisfac- 
tory, sixteen persons in 1689 erected a meeting-house on ' the 
plains.' In 1695, the town voted that Pipe-stave hill shall be tine 
place for the meeting-house, and so forth. From this time till 1712, 
those, who lived nearer to the meeting-house on the plains than they 
did to Pipe-stave hiU, acted in opposition to the votes of the town, 
the authority of the state, and a large part, (forty to twenty-four,) of 
the worshipers in then* own precinct, all of whom had decided that 
the right place for the meeting-house was Pipe-stave hill, while the 
other party were as decided tliat it should stand where it was, and 
not be moved. As early as 1696, the reverend Samuel Belcher 
with his family was residing in the precinct.* In the same year, a 
vote was passed to build a ministry house, and to enlarge the meet- 
ing-house on ' the plains.' In January, 1706, the precinct voted that 
' they either wonld remove the meeting house and build an addition 
to it, or else build a new meeting house.' Februaiy twenty-eighth, 
' it was voted that ye inhabitants of ye west end of the town of 
Newbury wiU build a new meeting house upon Pipe stave hill, fif- 
ty-fom- feet long and thirty-four feet broad within the space of five 
years at ye furtiiest and to meet in the old meeting house five years, 
not to force any person to pay any money or pay till three years be 
expired, and then to pay one quarter part yearly until ye whole be 
paid.' 

From this vote twenty persons dissented. 

' Captain Hugh March, Caleb Moody and seijeant .John Ordway 
were also chosen a committee to build the new meeting house and 
enlarge the old meeting house.' * In Februaiy, 1709, the party op- 
posed to the removal of the meeting-house from ' the plains,' to Pipe 
stave hill, petitioned the general court for relief. Among other things 
they say, that, ' having built a meeting house and settled a minister, 
which hath not been effected above twelve years or thereabouts, there 
are certain of our inhabitants since planted in the upper parts of our 
precinct, who under the supposing notion of a major vole of our 
inhabitants have adventured against our declared dissents to make a 
considerable and chargeable process towards the building of another 
meeting house, wherein they have proceeded so far as to adventm'e 

* Paiisli records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBCRY. 177 

upon ourselves to levy a tax upon that account and to employ a 
collecter to take away our goods, and ?o forth.' They proceed to 
state, that, ' if the abovesaid process and design on hand proceed to 
take effect according to the desire of ye managers thereof, namely, 
to fix ye meeting house and ministi'y solely there, ivhere they have 
now erected their new meeting house, it will not only as we apprehend 
very unreasonably necessitate us to lose ye great charge we have 
been at, but which is worse, frustrate our good ends therein, which 
were our own and our children's enjoyment of ye means of grace, 
and render it in divers respects more dithcult and inconvenient than 
before ovu separaUon, and so forth. We therefore pray your excel- 
lency and honors to vouchsafe to us a favorable regard to oiu: hum- 
ble address that our so very hard and costly privileges may be con- 
tinued to us in such sort as may not be suppressed by our oppo- 
nents, and so forth. And we humbly pray that if no belter method 
may be found out for om- relief that we may be set off so far as 
may agree with righteousness and religion, to maintain our minister 
and ministry amongst ourselves, the charge whereof we choose 
abundantly to undergo ratlier than have our good ends, desires and 
endeavours abovesaid frustrated and made voyde.' * Signed by 
fifty-five persons — eleven Bartlets, six Sawyers, three Merrills, four 
Browns, three Baileys, Charles and Joseph Aniiis, two Thurstons, 
two named Rogers, three Littles, and nineteen others. 

From the preceding petition we learn that the meeting-house had 
been erected on Pipe-stave hiU, prior to the date of the petition, 
probably in the latter part of 1708. Judge Sewall, in his diary, 
under the date of ^lay tenth, 1709, says, ' visited cousin Jacob Top- 
pan and laid a stone in the foundation of ye meeting house at Pipe 
staff hill.' 

On March twenty-first, 1710, the inhabitants of tlie precinct voted 
' that they accepted of what was already done and authorized the 
major part of the committee (who were chosen in 1706, February 
twenty-eighth.) to proceed and finish the meeting house according 
to the time mentioned in said vote.' f 

From this vote twentj'-rwo persons dissented. 

Among the papers on file in the state house in Boston, is one 
written by John Ordway, but without date, giving his reasons why 
he declined acting with the committee appointed in 1706 to build 
the new meeting-house. ' First, because the vote was dissented 
against by many, and more offered their dissent and therefore a 
great likelihood of contention among us. Second, because we had 
no land to set it on, nor order to purchase any. Third, because it 
was so long a time since we were chosen, and I wished to call a 
meeting of our precinct to see if they were united, and if not, I 
thought it very unadvisable to proceed in strife and contention, for 
the building of a meefing house ought to be carried on in love and 
peace. To what is above written captain March and lieutenant 

* General court files. t Parish records. 

23 



178 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Moody or one of tliem answered, we have a vote for it, and if you 
will not goe on with us, we will goe without you and you shall pay 
for it.' 

On June second, 1710, a notification was sent from the general 
court to the town of Newbury, which was served on them by some 
of the west end ])c1itioncrs to the court. On June seventh, tiie town 
chose colonel Thomas Noyes to act in their behalf, who, on June 
ninth, replied to the petition of February ninth, 1709. In his reply- 
he states, that, ' of the fifty-five signers to the petition, thirty-four 
were at no charge in building their meeting house, several live 
within a mile of Mr. Toppan's [first parish meeting-house] and ten 
more to the west and northwest of the new meeting house, so that 
it is impossible that the major part should be any ways aggrieved 
by putting down the old, or putting up the new meeting house.' 
He concludes by saying, among other things, that ' the whole of the 
western precinct assemble in a house of not above thirty feet square 
and yet rather than not have their wills they would have two 
churches.' 

This produced a long reply, dated June twentieth, in which they 
state, ' that we now have one hundred and thirty families, seventy of 
which do not live two miles from the old meeting house.' 

They conclude by saying, ' we must acknowledge om-selves obliged 
to him in the superlative dcgi-ce for speaking the very truth concern- 
ing us namely, rather than not have our wills, which are not the 
sparing of our purses brrt ye propagation of ye gospel and ye pro- 
moting ye edification of ourselves and ours, particularly om- young 
ones under the means of gi-ace and ye welfare of immortal souls, 
we had rather have two churches and meeting houses also, most 
convenient for the obtaining those good ends. We only pray the 
general court to prove their servants awhile with their petitioned 
pulse and water and afterwards as ye shall sec and find onr counte- 
nances, so deal ^vith yom- humble servants.' 

This petition was not granted, and on the twenty-second of June 
it was ' resolved in council that Pipe-stave hiU is the most conven- 
ient place, and so forth, and that a committee of the principal inhab- 
itants in the said precinct, do forthwith attend the reverend Mr. 
Belcher and acquaint him with the desire of this court that when a 
meeting house shall be erected there and a convenient dwelhng 
house thereto for his reception with suitable accommodations of 
land and so forth he be content to remove thither.' They also 
resolved that 'a tax be laid on all the inhabitants.' * 

Determined, as it would apjiear, not to worship in the meeting- 
house on Pipe stave hill, Iwenly-seven of the petitioners signed llu; 
following document, which is accurately copied from the original 
now before me. 

'Juhj yc 12//(, 1710. 
' W(^ whos names Are lioarlo Subscribed doo Aisroo And otdid^e oiirsealves to 

* General court Cilos. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 179 

each other to mayntain the publick ministry At the old meeting house in ye 
west precinct in Newbuiy Although we are forsed to pay Elswhare what shall 
be lavid upon us.' 

On the next day, July thirtecntli, the inliabitants of the west 
parish held a meeting, and ' voted to observe the direction and re- 
solve of the general court June twenty-second in every particular.' 
On July seventeenth they had another meeting, in which they 'voted 
to levy a tax of four hundred pounds' to defray part of the charges 
of building a meeting house ministry house and so forth, to pay 
back all they had taken by distraint and to confirm all that the 
building committee, chosen in 1706, had done and gave them full 
power to finish and so forth.' * 

On the nineteenth of April, 1711, the precinct had another meet- 
ing, and as the time of five years, dm-ing which they had deter- 
mined, in February, 1706, to meet in the old meeting-house, had 
expired, the majority proceeded to carry the remainder of the vote 
into execution. To this end, they chose a committee of three, to 
dispose of the ministry house and land near the old meeting-house, 
and obtain a house and land near the new meeling-house, at Pipe- 
stave hill. They also voted ' to take the seates and boards and 
glass out of ye old meeting house to be improved in the new meet- 
ing house and also to remove the old meeting house and sett it up 
att Pipe-stave hill to be improved for a barn for the ministry in con- 
venient time.' 

It will readily be seen, that, as soon as the 'convenient lime' came, 
to carry the preceding vote into effect, the minority would find it 
impossible to ' mayntain the publick ministry at the old meeting 
house,' as they had obligated themselves to do, July twelfth, 1710. 
The ' convenient time ' soon came, but not in the manner contem- 
plated by the vote. CoiToborated tradition informs us, that a party 
of men from the upper part of the parish, came down in a riotous 
and disorderly manner, in the niglit, tore down the 'old meeting 
house,' and carried it off. The parish, however, March fifth, 1712, 
on account of the ' difference amojigst ye inhabitants about pulling 
down ye old meeting house agreed to leave it to the determination 
of three men and to sit down satisfied and rest contented with their 
determination.' * 

This, without doubt, increased the opposition of the minority, 
who, being as determined not to submit, as the majority were to 
govern, immediately commenced preparations to build a new meet- 
ing-house. This undertaking, the majority determined to frustrate, 
if possible. A committee of six persons, petitioned the general 
court, in July, to take notice of the matter, and state that ' Samuel 
Bartlet, Joseph Bailey, lieutenant Samuel Sayer, Josiah Sayer, John 
Bartlet junior, ,Tohn Bartlet third, Nathan Bartlet, Richard Bartlet 
third, William Husc, .Toshua Brown junior, Stephen Brown and 
Sldpper Lunt, their carpenter, and several others have cut and hailed 

* Parish records. 



180 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

timber in order to build a meeting house and intend to raise said 
meeting house within one fortnight and set it at or near the east 
end of the west precinct in Newbury as they inform us, not regard- 
ing the late resolve of the great and general court,' and so forth, 
and so forth. 

^ Jiilil 19///, 1711. The court advised and directed for the preser- 
vation of the peace of the town of Newbury that the persons herein 
named and others concerned, desist their proceeding lo the raysing 
their meeting house until there be a hearing of the matter before 
the court.' 

To this advice and direction the minority paid no attention, but 
went steadily on with their work. Fervet opus. This caused an- 
other petition against tiiem, in which a conmiittee of the majority 
state, August twenty-fourth, 1711, that 'they, [the minority,] had 
raised and in part covered a meeting house and set it near the divi- 
ding line, notwithstanding the advice and direction of the court.' 

The court immediately ordered that ' Samuel Bartlet, .lohn Ord- 
way, deacon Joshua Brown, Joshua Bailey, Skijjper Lunt, and 
Penuel Tilcomb be anew served by the sheriff witli a process and 
order of this court of nineteenth July, strictly forbidding them and 
their associates proceeding in the work of their intended meeting 
house and so forth, and that said persons be summoned to attend 
this court on the second Wednesday of their fall session.' 

On the twenty-third of October, 1711, they again petition the 
court, ' to grant them leave to goe on with their meeting house 
that they have begun, that the farthermost of forty families and 
about thirty more of our neighbours are not above one and a half 
miles from the meeting house we are about to erect and prepare 
and that we deem it. our diitji to maintain the reverend Mr. Belrher, 
{for whoyn inc have a peculiar respect,) iintil ine nuni be orderly 
dismist.'' Tliey also request the court 'to set them off as a precinct, 
making Artichoke river the dividing line, and that there are now 
ninety-six families above Artichoke river.' 

In the general court records, under date of November second, 
1711, is the following. ' Upon hearing the case of Newbury refemng 
to the house late pretended to be raised for the publick worship of 
God on or near deacon Joshua Brown's land, contrary lo the direc- 
tion of this court, of which there is no present necessity. It is or- 
dered that the building of the said house be not on any pretence 
whatever further proceeded in but that the division of the town into 
two precincts between the old meeting house and that upon Pipe- 
stave hill lie the present division of the auditory and is hereby 
confirmed and established and all persons concerned are to yield 
obedience accordingly, and that the disorders, tliat liave been in the 
proceedings about the said house in Brown's land, be referred to the 
next sessions of peace in Essex.' 

On November fourth, 1711, another petition was prcjiared to he 
presented to the general court, signed by Aliraiiam IMerrill, Joshua 
Brown, and sixty-live others. In it, among other things, they pray 



HISTOKY OF NEWBURY. 181 

the court ' to indulge us with yoiir favorable grant of liberty to 
proceed in ye finishing of our meeting house, and to call some 
orthodox approved person to preach ye word of God to us there, 
whom (notwithstanding ye iTsual objections framed on yt account 
against us) we trust under God's blessing we shall so accommodate 
as may be approved by your honors and satisfactory and comfortable 
to himself. Thus praying,' and so forth. 

This petition, which is now in my possession, was, of course, not 
presented, probably on account of the peremptory order of the court, 
passed November second, two days before their petition was drafted, 
but which they probably had not seen. Here was a difficulty, 
wliich the petitioners knew not how to obviate. They had erected 
a meeting-house, in which they had intended to settle ' some ortho- 
dox approved person,' but which the court would not allow them 
either to use or finish. Up to this time, it is evident, from their own 
petitions, that they had intended to settle a congi-egational minister 
in the meeting-house, which they had erected for that pm-pose. The 
manner in which a part of them became episcopalians, is best told 
in the following extract from a nai'ralive of the proceedings of the 
precinct, from its commencement to 1734. It was found among the 
papers of All-. Nehemiah Bartlet, and was written many yeai-s ago. 

' Our fathers did not regard what the court sent to them, but had raised said 
buildin<i and had got on to finisli it. This honorable court sent on express to 
forbid us going on under any pretence whatever. Resolved Pipe-stave hill to 
be the place for the whole parish. Our people went to this court to show their 
grievances. No relief. Met with a gentleman Mr. \John\ Bridfrer, churchman, 
telling a way to protect them, to come under the church of Ens;}and he u-ouhl protect 
them. Some being acquainted with the church complied. Reverend Mr. Harris 

came and preached, went home, sent Mr. Lampton, chaplain of a station 

ship, some abiding with him, some went back to Pipe-stave hill,' and so forth. 

Tliis I\Ii-. Bridger was ' surveyor of the king's woods,' as I learn 
from several letters of his, between 1707 and 1715. In the latter 
year, he was in London. In Judge Sewall's diary, I hnd the 
following : 

' December l-5tli, 1707. Governor calls a council, reads a letter 
from Mr. [.John] Bridger, complaining of frees cut contraiy to char- 
ter. Mr. Bridger has been here above a twelvemonth.' 

On the twenty-first of October, 1711, Mr. Bridger thus writes 
from Portsmouth, to colonel Thomas Noyes, of Newbury : 

' Sir, pursuant to the governor's orders I do apply to you for a 
guard of sLx or eight troopers for my guard while doing my duty 
as surveyor of his majesty's woods for America. 
I am your most humble servant, 

John Bridger.' 

From the same diary of Judge SewaU, I make the following 
extract, namely : 

' Wednesday, February 27th, 1711-12. Joseph Bailey of Newbury, introduced 
by Mr. Myles, Mr. Harris and Mr. Bridger presented a petition to the governor 



182 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

sicrned by Abraham Merrill, Joshua Brown, Samuel Barllet, John Bartlet, Sam- 
uel Sayer, Joseph Bailey, twenty-two in all, declaring that they were of the 
pure episcopal church of England, would no longer persist with their mistaken 
dissenting brethren, had sent to their diocesan, the bishop of London for a minis- 
ter and desired protection. 

' February 28(/t. Governor dates his letter to ye episcopal church at Newbury.' 

Ill another part of the same diary, lie says, ' on the tAventy-sev- 
enth of February last 1711-12 I saw the certainty of what I could 
not believe before namely deacon Merrill and deacon Brown and 
twenty-two others and so forth. Now though it is well enough 
known what was the spring of yr motion and notwithstanding their 
aprons of fig leaves tliey walk naked.' 

Their petition to governor Dudley, and his reply, are as follows, 
namely : 

' To his excellency Joseph Dudley, the humble petition of several freeholders 
and the inliabitants of the town of Newbury. 

• Whereas your excellency's petitioners have declared themselves members 
of the church of England, and have raised a building, for the worship of almigh- 
ty God according to the manner of service prescribed in the said church we 
humbly desire your excellency's protection and encouragement in our just and 
laudable undertakings. We are convinced that the church of England is a 
pure orthodox church, and so are resolved to continue no longer in that separa- 
tion, which has so unhappily prevailed among the mistaken and prejudiced 
inhabitants of this country. This resolution has occasioned ye ill will of our 
dissenting bietluen, who levy upon us more than ordinary rales towards the 
maintenance of their minister, and other purposes of that nature, which act of 
theirs is a very great hardship and grievance to us, since we have addressed a 
letter to our right reverend diocesan ye bishop of London to send us a minister, 
which we shall most gladly receive, but think ourselves under no obligation to 
anv other ; it being a thing unknown in her majesty's dominions yt ye members 
of the church of Englaird are obliged to contribute to the support of the dissent- 
ing teachers. We therefore pray your excellency's favour, that we may not be 
mole.sted for the future upon this account and beg leave to subscribe ourselves 
Your excellency's most dutiful and obedient servants.' 

The following is a copy of the reply : 

'Boslcn, Fchnianj 2Sth, 1711-12. 

' I received yesterday an address and petition, signed by twenty-two freehold- 
ers and inhabitants of the town of Newbury, setting forth that they are de- 
clared rnembers of the episcopal church of England, as by law established, 
and tliat they have raysed a building for the service of God according to the 
manner of service prescribed in the .said church, desiring protection and encour- 
agement therein accordingly, and that they have addressed the right reverend 
the bishop of London to have a minister sent to them, and that thereupon they 
may not be obliged to contribute to the subsistence of the other ministers of any 
other profession as at large is set forth in this petition. 

' I am also informed by the reverend Mr. Harris, one of the ministers of the 
church of England in this place, that at their desire he has visited and preached 
to that new congregation, and had a very considerable auditory, and that he 
shall continue so to do, until iheir said address to the lord bishop of London 
shall be considered and orders given therein. I airi thereupon of opinion that 
the said petitioners and others that joyne with them ottght to be peaceably al- 
lowed in their lawful proceedings therein for their good establishment ; and ought 
not to be taxed or imposed upon for the support and maintenance of any other 
public worshij) in the said town. — Of which I desire all persons concerned to 
take notice accordiugly. Given under my hand, 

j. Dudley.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 183 

At what precise time their letter was addressed to the bisliop of 
London, I liave found no record. It must have been between 
November fom'tli, 1711, and February tAventy-eiglith, 1712. I have 
in my possession an original letter from tlie bishop of London, of 
which the following is a copy. 

' Sir, 

' I am very glad of the assurance from you, how well your people are dis- 
posed to hold communion with us ; and you need not doubt of Eill due encour- 
agement so far as the ditficulty of the times will allow, and therefore I should 
be glad to hear what it is particularly, that may sntiice for this encouragement ; 
and in the mean time I shall endeavour to gett the best advice I can in refer- 
ence to the deed. I pray God prosper your pious endeavours and pray believe 
me Sr your most assured friend 

and humble servant, 

Fulham, April 10th, 1712.' Henry Londini. 

As the superscription of this letter is torn off, I am not able to 
say to whom it was addressed. 

The next allusion to the church that I find, is the following ex- 
tract from a letter, uTitten by the reverend Benjamin Colman, of 
Boston, to bishop Kcnnet. It is dated November seventeenth, 1712. 

' This last year a dilTerence happened in the town of Newbury abo\it placeing 
their meeting; house. The matter was brought before our general court, who 
determined it accordinff to the free vote and act of the precinct, whereby they 
had obliged themselves to each other. Whereupon a number of them declare 
themselves for the church of England. Many of them I will suppose persons 
of sobriety and virtue only in a pett and to save their rate to their aged and 
worthy minister, Mr. Belcher, utterly ignorant of the church they declare for, 
nor offended in the least with the form of worship or discipline, which they 
turn from ; and as wide herein from their old pastor's spirit and principles, which 
are as calholick a.<s can well he found amoni; ministers of any dcnominntion : being 
till now among the most narrow and rigid dissenters, who would before this have 
disowned me in particular for the use of the Lord's praj-er, reading the scrip- 
tures and a freer admission to the Lord's table, than has been generally prac- 
tised in these churches.' * 

The lines in the above letter, printed in italics, are entirely omit- 
ted by the reverend James IMorss in his century sermon, deUvered 
December thirty-first, 18-37, the words ' difference,' and ' turn from,' 
are changed to ' difficulty,' and ' had observed,' and the words ' they 
were,' before ' most nan-ow,' added. 

Since the compilation of the foregoing narrative, the iollowing 
letter, or part of a letter, written by the reverend Matthias Plant, and 
published in the Christian Witness, January twenty-eighth, 1842, 
has been pointed out to me. The date is not given, nor the name 
of the person, to whom it was addressed. It was obtained, as I am 
informed, by the reverend doctor Ilawkes, during his recent visit to 
England, and is undoubtedly accurate in its statements. 

'Newburyport. We copy the following from the Church Record ; and. as it 
gives some interesting incidents in the early history of the ancient church in 
Newburyport, we presume it will be acceptable to our readers : 

* Tiirell's life of Colman, pp, 124, 5. 



184 HISTORY OF NEWBURY, 

' First, the history of buikling the church, et cetera. It was erected for a 
meetins-house, in 1711, by the inhabitants, about forty-five families in number, 
but being opposed by a greater body of people within the same division or par- 
ish, who had erected another meeting-house, they complained of them to the 
justices of the peace, who committed some of them to prison, and others were 
compelled; for their safety, to appeal to the govemor and council, where they 
met with no better treatment, for erecting a meeting-house contrary to law ; (for, 
according to the laws of the province, the major part appoints the place where 
the meeting-house shall be built.) Mr. Bridger, of Portsmouth, in New England, 
having information of the severity used towards these people, came to Newbury, 
and told the inhabitants that if they would convert their intended meeting-house 
into a church, he would engage them protection from the governor. They 
complying with his Jiiotion, (after the perusal of several church books,) he ob- 
tained their easement. The salary is weekly contributions by the auditors ; 
about twenty pounds per annum. The materials with which tlie church is built - 
are wood. The dimensions of it, fifty feet long and thirty wide, but accommo- 
dated with no house or glebe. 

' Second, the number of hearers was about one hundred, who at ihst frequented 
the church ; (for many who contributed towards building the church never con- 
sented to convert it to that use.) Their condition of fortunes is like unto our 
ordinary farmers, who rent thirty or forty pounds per annum. They commonly 
add some trade to their farming. In matters of religion, dissenters. Their set- 
tlements dispersed after the manner of our cottages, upon commons, some per- 
haps having thirty to si.vty acres of land. Some of my hearers live in the adja- 
cent towns, from two to si.K miles distance. Marblehead is the nearest church, 
thirty-two miles remote. My constant auditors are from one hundred and fifty to 
two hundred, or thereabouts, and daily increase, as doth my salary. Their for- 
tunes are no otherwise improved than by their lands becoming more valuable, 
which is occasioned by people becoming more numerous in the country. 

M.1TTHI.4S Plant.' 

At what time the reverend Rlr. Lampfon came to Newbury, I 
have not been able to ascertain. It mn.st, however, have been sub- 
sequent to twenty-seventh of February, 1712, as, in the j^etition to 
the governor, of that date, we find the expression, ' send us a min- 
ister, which we shall most gladly receive.' 

From a letter in the library of the American Antiquarian Society, 
at Worcester, written by the reverend (/hristopher Topj^an, to Cot- 
ton Mather, November twenty-eighth, 1712, I make the following 
extract : 

' Perceiving that simie of the ceremonies were camels too big for them at first 
to swallow, he [Mr. Lampton] told them they should be left to their liberty as 
to kneeling at the sacrament, baptising with the .sisrn of the cross and so forth. 
This has been wonderfully taking with them and a great means to encourage 
them in their factious proceedings.' 

Nolwithslanding the ' opinion,' that the petitioners of February 
twenty-seventh 'ought not to be taxed' for lite support of the con- 
gregational ministers, the precinct ' voted fovirteenth of April that 
captain Hugh March should go to the general court and ask advice 
of them about gathering Mr. Belcher's rate and the meeting house 
rate of those persons that pretend to sett up ye episcopal way of 
worship,' and on October seventh, desired captain ]\Iarch to proceed 
in ' that aftaire.' 

As to what was done ' in that affaire,' no record informs us. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 185 

March 5(h. The west parish held a mectin?:, on aeconnt 'of the 
difference among the inhabitants about puUing down the old meet- 
ing house, selling the parsonage house and land and so forth, and 
agreed to leave the above mentioned particulars to lieutenant John 
White of Haverhill, lieutenant John Foot of Amesbnry and Rlr. 
Thomas Kimball of Bradford, promising to set down satisfyed and 
rest contented with their determination.'* 



1713. 



' February 'Sd. Deacon Abraham IMeiTill, deacon Joshua Brown 
[and six others] were requested by a committee of the church to 
give their reasons for absenting themselves from the communion of 
the chmxh.' Their reasons were : 

' First, we do count that you acted illegally in disposing of a 
house, that you never built. 

' Second, for violently pulling down our meeting house and car- 
rying it away contrary to our minds and consent. 

' Third, taldng away from our brethren and neighbours part of 
their estates by distress,' and so forth. f 



1714. 

January 15th. The west parish agreed to concur with the 
church in calling the reverend John Tufts to setde with them in the 
ministry. 

March 20th. The parish ' voted to give the reverend John Tufts 
eighty pounds a year till he settles and keeps house, and then ninety 
pounds a year.' 

April 2d. The parish ' voted to free all that are, or shall be, for 
the episcopal way of worship and also all quakers.' 

April 5th. The town ' voted to gi-ant liberty to Rlr. Benjamin 
Woodbridgc and IMi-. Henry Somerby'lo cut timber on Plum island 
to finish two wharfs with.' 

June. The ferry at Holt's rocks, was settled for forty years on 
Newbury and Haverhill by the court. 

June 30i/j. Reverend John Tufts ordained. 

In judge Sewall's diary, I find the following, which is all I have 
been able to find on the subject : 

' December 25th. Mrs. Bradsti-eet of Newbury, her killing her 
negro woman [is] much talked of.' 

In this year, the reverend John Tufts, of the west parish, pub- 
lished a small work on music, entitled, 'a very plain and easy 
introduction to the art of singing psalm tunes, with the cantus or 
trebles of twenty-eight psalm tunes contrived in such a manner as 

* Parish records. \ Church records. 

24 



186 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

that the learner may atlahi the skill of singing them with the greatest 
ease and spued imaginable, by the reverend Mr. John Tufts. Price 
sixpence or five shillings per dozen.' 

Small as this book must have been, to be aflbrded for sixpence 
per copy, it was at this time a great novelty, it being the first })ubli- 
cation of the kind in New England, if not in America. As late as 
1700, there were not more than fom' or five tunes known, in many 
of the congi-egations in this country, and in some, not more than 
two or three, and even those were sung altogether by rote. These 
tunes were York, Hackney, Saint Mary's, Windsor, and ftlartyrs'. 
To pubUsh at this time a book on music, containing tlie enormous 
number of twenty-eight psalm tunes, (which were in three parts, 
and purely choral) although it was only a reprint of Ravenscroft, 
which was first published in 1618, was a daring innovation on the 
old time-honored customs of the country, and the attempt to leach 
singing by note, thus commenced by Mr. Tufts, was most strenu- 
ously resisted, and for many years, by that large class of persons, 
everywhere to be found, who believe that an old error is better than 
a new truth. Many, at that time, imagined, that fa, sol, la, was, in 
reality, nothing but popery in disguise. A writer in the New Eng- 
land Chronicle, in 1723, thus observes. ' Truly I have a great 
jealousy that if we once begin to sing by rule, the next thing will 
be to pray by rule and preach by rule and Ihen comes popcr//.^ 

In 1721, reverend Thomas Walter, of Roxbnry, published a i)Ook 
on music, entitled ' the grounds and rules of musick explained, 
or an introduction to the singing by note fitted to the meanest 
capacity.' 

In the preface, IMi'. W. says : ' the tunes now in use in our 
churches, when they came out of the hands of the composers of 
them, were sung according to the rules of the scale of musick, but 
are now miserably tortured and twisted, and quavered in some 
cimrches into a horrid medley of confused and disorderly noises. 
Our tunes arc for want of a standard to appeal to in om- singing, 
left to the mercy of every unskilful throat to chop and alter, twist 
and change, according to their inlinitely divers and no less odd 
humours and fancies. No two churches sing alike. At present 
we are confined to eight or ten tunes and in some congregations to 
little more than half that number.' 

September 1st. Town 'voted to give forty shillings for every 
gTOwn wolf and ten shillings apiece for wolfs whelps Idlled within 
the towne.' 

1715. 

MarrJL iUh. A highway, of two rods broad, was laid out, from 
Kent street to Ordway's lane, now Market street. 

March 14/A. John Emery, Archelaus Woodman, Stephen 
Emery, and Benjamin Sawyer, petitioned the town to grant them 
' liberty to set up a fence across the way to Turkey hill that we may 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 187 

keep our sheep from running away before we have sheared lliem.' 
The petition was granted. 

May 3d. ' Town voted to give five ponnds per head for every 
grown wolfe, which shall be lulled within the town of Newbury.' 

May 20th. Mr. John Bridger sent a letter 'to the churchwardens 
and vestry at Newbury,' from London, by Mr. Henry Lucas, who 
had been appointed their minister, and says : ' T have no reason to 
doubt he will fully answer your expectation and advance the church 
amongst you to the praise and glory of almighty God and to the 
edification of many souls,' and so forth. 

October 27th. A committee of the west end precinct chmch, 
was appointed, ' to discourse with certain members of the church, 
who had withdrawn from their communion and see if something 
could not be said or done to draw them to our communion again, 
and if we cannot draw them by fair means, then to determine what 
means to take vnlh them.' * 



1716. 

January 2Ath. A day of humiliation was kept by the church in 
the west precinct, for several reasons; one was, 'that God would 
prevent ye spread of errors in this place, especially the eiTors of the 
quakers.' f 

We, at the present day, can hardly conceive of the feelings enter- 
tained and manifested by our ancestors, against the qviakers. Li 
the law, passed by Massachusetts, in 1658, the fourth section thus 
commences. ' Whereas there is a cursed sect of hereticks lately 
risen up in the world, which are commonly called quakers,' and so 
forth. Li 1661, another law was passed, ' to prevent the intrusions 
of the quakers, who do like rogues and vagabonds come in upon 
us,' and so forth. In 1658, Robert Adams, of Newbury, was in- 
dicted for attending a friends' meeting, in Salem, at the house of 
Nicholas Phelps, to hear William Brend and William Leddra. In 
1680, governor Simon Bradstreet thus writes to ' the right honorable 
the lords of his majesty's privy council.' ' We have no beggars 
and few idle vagabonds, except a few quakers from Road Island, 
that much molest us.' In 1704, Judge Sewall thus writes. ' I told 
Mr. [Nicholas] Noyes of Salem of ye quaker meeting at Samuel 
Sayers and of ye profaneness of ye young Iloags professing that 
heresy.' These 'young Hoags,' were all sons of .lohn Iloag, and 
resided in the west parish of Newbury. In this year, [1716,] says 
judge Sewall, there was a ' quakers' dispute at Newbury.' 

In the account book of Stephen Jaques, I find the following, 
namely : 

' October 21sf, 1716. On the sabath day about eleven of the clock in sarman 
time it grue so dark that one could not see a parson from one end of the melting 

♦ West parish records. t Church records. 



188 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

hous to the other except it was against a window, nor could know another four 
seats otr, nor read a word in a psahn book. It continued near half an hour. 
Sum ministers sent for candels, t^um set still, till it was liahter. Sum was ready 
to think ye world was at an end ; all seemed to be consarned. It was a time 
when ye air was very full of smoke. It came dayly down when it was a south 
west wind, the wind now being as I remember at est, which might bring ye 
smoak back, and dark clouds pass over, as it being cloudy weather. I was an 
eie witness of this myself. 

Stephen Jaques.' 

For a similar account of the same darkness, see Philosophical 
Transactions, nnniber four hundred and twcnty-lhird. 

In October of this year, ' governor Shule went from Boston to 
Portsmouth, was met by the Newbury troop, conducted to lieiitenant 
governor Dummer's hoitse, where his excellency was finely enter- 
tained that night and morning.' ^ 

In judge Sewall's diary, under date of .June twenty-second, I find 
the following. ' I essayed to prevent negroes and Indians being 
rated with horses and cattle, but could not succeed.' 

Instances like the following, were formerly frequent. In the • 
inventory of the estate of Samuel Morgaridge, who died in 1754, 
I find, 

' Item, tliree negroes, £133, 6s. Sd. 

' Item, flax, 12, 2, 8.' 

In the inventory of Ilonry Rolfe's estate, talvcn in April, 1711, I 
find the following, namely, 

' Fifteen sheep, old and young, £'3, los. 

' An old gun, 2 

' An old negroe man, 10, 



£13, 7s.' 



In Moses Gcrrish's inventory, I find, 

' Barley, Indian corn, and oats, .... £10. 

' An Indian slave, ...... 20.' 

Fronr the tax book of William Titcomb, junior, I make the 
following extract. This year the number of ratable polls in New- 
bury was six hundred and eighty-five, of which four hundred and 
thirty-seven were in the first parish, one hundred and ninety-six in 
.tlie w(!st parish and fifty-two in the falls parish. In August, a val- 
uation of the town's property was taken. Ploitgh land and meadow 
were estimated at twelve shillings per acre, pasture land at six shil- 
lings. The whole valuation of property, real and personal, was nine 
thousand and sixty-two pounds, and one shilhng. 

In 1712 and 1713, the number and valuation stood thus : 

1712, polls r)S4,. estate £7srj7. 

1718, " 013, " 7790. 

The province rate was 5s. per poll, and ix/. on the pound. 

The town rate was 2, Sd. " " and 2 1-2 " " " 

Mr. Toppan's rate was 2, 6d. « « and 3 « « « 

* News Letter. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 189 



17 17. 



This year is rendered memorable, by the unusual quantity of 
snow, which fell on the twentieth and twenty-fourth of February. 
In these two storms, the earth was covered with snow, from ten to 
fifteen feet, and, in some places, to twenty feet, deep. Many one- 
story houses were covered, and, in many places, paths were dug, 
from house to house, under the snow. Many visits were made, 
from place to place, by means of snow shoes, the wearers having 
first stepped out of their chamber windows, on these excursions. 
' Love,' we know, ' laughs at locksmiths,' and, of course, will disre- 
gard a snow-drift. Tradition informs us, that a ]\Ir. Abraham 
Adams, wishing to visit his 'ladye love,' Miss Abigail Pierce, 
mounted his snow shoes, took a three miles' walk, for that purpose, 
and entered her residence as he left his o\vn, namely, by the cham- 
ber window. He was the first person the family had seen from 
abroad, for more than a week. Cotton Mather has left in vwiting 
a particular account of ' the great snow,' and the many marvels and 
prodigies attending it. 

Stephen Jaques, in his account, thus v\Tites. ' The year 1717-18 
aftar this darkness * was the sadest time for sickness. A mortal 
feaver spred throw ye country and in about three months time it 
made twenty widows, besides many other parsons swept away.' 



1718. 

May Wth. ' The selectmen were desired not to grant approbation 
for above five taverns and not above three retailers of strong drink.'f 

Town voted ' to invite the neighbouring towns in the county of 
Essex to join with us in endeavouring to obtaine a dividing of ye 
county of Essex into two counties.' f 

June 23d. Richard, son of captain Richard Gerrish, of Ports- 
mouth, was drowned at the end of Long wharf. 

September '2Ath. The town granted to Closes Chase, Abraham 
Annis, Joseph Pike, William Morse, Benjamin Smith, Abiel Kelly, 
Jonathan Kelly, John Swett, .John Carr, and Joshua Bayley, on 
their petition, 'eighty rods of the flatts above Holt's rocks to fish on, 
on condition they pay as an acknowledgement to ye town two 
salmon per yeai- one to Mx. Toppan, ye other to Mr. Tufts, if they 
catch them.' 

The value of salmon at this time, may be estimated, by the fol- 
lowing letter to Anthony Morse. 

'Mr. Morse, 
This is to desire ye favour of you to gett me one, two or three or more of 
ye first sammon yt can be had this year. I am willing to give a good price and 

* October twenty-first, 171G. t Town records. 



190 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

a great price rather than not have it and will pay a man and horse for bringinc; 
it to content, but observe he do n't bring for any body else at ye same time. If 
there be but one single satnmon, send away forthwith. If more, then it will help 
ye extraordinary charge, but do n't let them be kept till almost spoiled in hopes 
of more. Pray give my sarvice to your father Moody and I desire his help in 
this affair. If you have success let ye bearer call at Mr. Woodbridge's and at 
captain Corney's in his way to me, for they may happen at ye same time to 
have some. I shall take it very kindly if you will be mindfuli. 

I am your friend 



Boston. March twenty-fir.st, 17-28.' 



II. Whitton. 



1719. 

March Glh. Cottle's lane, now South street, was laid out, ' one 
rod and a iialf wide from High street to Men-iinaek river.' 

March 10th. Town voted to give Mr. John Woodbridgc, forty- 
pounds 'for the year ensuing to keep a free school for latin scholars, 
readers, writers and cypherers, and sixty pounds for maintaining 
schools in the remote parts of the town.' 

This year, potatoes were introduced, by some emigrants from 
Ireland. They were raised in the garden of INIr. Nathaniel Walker, 
esquire, of Andover. Tradition informs us, that the first which 
were raised in Newbtiry, grew on the land, once owned by Henry 
Sewall, lately by Mr. Stephen Noyes, and now by IMr. William 
Sargent, but in what year this valuable root first made its ap- 
pearance in Newbury, no record informs us. In 1732, I find, in a 
Mr. Morgaridge's journal, ' half a bushel of pertaters, six shilHngs,' 
and in the same year, 'one peak of pertaters.' In the diary of a 
farmer of Lynn, he mentions ' patatas,' in 1738. In 1737, the rev- 
erend Thomas Smith, of Portland, says, in his diary, 'there is not 
a peek of potatoes in the whole eastern country.' In 1739, Robert 
Adams chronicles the sale of a bushel and a half of 'pertaters.' 
Their introduction into general use, was slow, and, so late as 1750, 
should any person have raised so lai'ge a quantity as five bushels, 
great would have been the inquiry among his neighbors, in what 
manner he could dispose of such an abundance. They were, at 
first, raised in beds, like onions. 

Maij \2th. The town voted ' that all the country roads should 
be four rods broad, if they are not now.' 

In the latter end of this year, the people of New England were 
mttch excited and alarmed, at the appearance of the northern lights, 
wliich were to them a novelty, and were supposed to betoken some 
dire calamity. In the joarnal of Rlr. Stephen Jaques, under the 
date of December eleventh, 1719, he thus writes. 

'December Wth, 1710. Between seven and eight o'clock at night, the moone 
being neare the full, it might want two days, there ap]ieared in ye north above 
like a rainbow, but it was white. It seemed to reach from norwesi to northeast, 
and it was more strait in the middle than a rainbow. It seemed to be eight 
foot wide. It looked like a cloud. There appeared in the north clouds, which 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 191 

looked Yery red and seemed to flie up allmost overhead, as if they had been 
driven with a t'arse wind and then parted to the east and so vanished away. 
The white cloud or bow remained an hour or two. Between ten and eleven 
there appeared a cloud, which came from ye norwest like a mist. We could 
see the stars through it. It was as red as blood or crimson, but not a thick red. 
My eies saw it. 

Stephen Jaques.' 

Lewis, ill his history of Lynn, says, ' the northern lights were 
first observed this year on the seventeenth of December.' As the 
moon was 'neare the full,' any person, with an ahiianac for 1719, 
can easily ascertain which is correct, December eleventh, or 
December nineteenth. 

1720. 

' This year,' says doctor Holmes, in his annals, ' tea began to be 
ii?cd in New Enirland.' It must, however, have been used in small 
quantities, many years before. The first tea kettles were small 
articles, made of copper, and first used in Plymouth, in 1702. The 
first cast iron tea kettles, were made in Plympton, now Car\^er, 
between 1760 and 1765. ' When ladies,' says Lewis, ' went to 
visiting parties, each one carried her tea cup, saucer and spoon. 
The tea cups were of the best china, very small, containing as much 
as a common wine glass.' * 

From an unpublished letter, ^ratten in England, in the year 1740, 
January first, I extract the following. 

■' They are not much, esteemed now that will not treat high and gossip about. 
Tea is now become the darling of our women. Almost every little tradesman's 
wife must set sipping tea for an hour or more in a morning, and it may be again 
in the afternoon, if they can get it, and nothing will please them to sip it out of 
but china ware, if they can get it. They talk of bestowing thirty or forty shil- 
lings upon a tea equipage, as they call it. There is the silver spoons, silver 
tongs, and many other trinkets that I cannot name.' 

' 1720 March ye first about half an hour after eight of ye clock 
there appeared a thick strack from ye northwest to ye southest all- 
most right ovar my head like an arcli and it seemed to be about 
eight or ten foot in breadth. It was like a very thick black smolco 
of a chimnoy, and seemed very low. It began in ye norwest to 
vanish and disappear and so by degrees to pass away, the moon 
about half an hour high a going down.' Stephen Jaqves' jovrnal. 

^August 20fh. 'Tis said Mr. Lucas, the church of England 
minister, cut his own throat at Newbury. However the minister of 
Marblehead set a good face on it, had the corpse carried into the 
church and preached a funeral sermon.' | 

' November 2ith. There appeared on this day about eight of the 
clock at night a light in ye north almost like that, which appeared 
the last year, it being red, but not so much. The Friday night 

* History of Lynn. t Judge Sewall's diary. 



192 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

before there appeared in ye north between seven and eight a light 
like the day light, when it break.? three quarters of an hour high.' 

Stephen Jaques' JoiirnaL 

1721. 

September 20th. The town chose deacon Nathaniel Coffin, en- 
sign William Titcomb, and lieutenant Henry Rolfe, to receive the 
town's part of the fifty ilionsand pounds, gi'anted by Massachusetts, 
thirteenth of July, 1720, and let it out, on good security, in sums 
not less than ten pounds, nor more than thirty pounds, at five per 
centum, for no longer period than one year at a time. For the use of 
this money, the town was to pay the state four per centum. This was 
the famous 'land bank' scheme, as it was called, wliich proved so 
injurious to the estates of many individuals. 

In judge Sewall's diary, of tiiis year, I find the following. 

' Thomas Hale [was] made a justice. I opposed it, because there 
are five in Newburi/ alreadij and he had lately kept an ordinary and 
sold rum. I was answered he had laid it down. I fear it will not 
be for the honour of the persons, nor of the governor and council, 
nor for the welfare [of the town] unless perhaps dwelling on the 
neck he may give check to traveling on the Lord's day.' Within 
the limits of ' ould Newberry,' there are now forty-four justices. 

September '2ist. This year-, the small-pox prevailed in New 
England. More than eight hundred died in Boston, where it began. 
Newbury sent twenty pounds to the poor of Boston, in wood. 



1722. 

The town's stock of ammunition was, this year, examined, and 
found to consist of seven bags and two casks of bullets, and eight 
casks of powder, consisting of five hundred and forty-three pounds 
of bullets, and three hundred and fifty-seven pounds of powder. 

' The fever began at Rowley and many peopel dyed. The like 
was not known in that town.' * 

Scjdember V7th. The first parish in Newbury, gave their assent 
to the formation of another parish, in Newbury, wiiich was formed 
September nineteenth, and was called the tiiird parish in Newbury, 
now first in Newburyport. 

1723. 

' Febniary 25th. An uimsual high tide, iiigher by twenty inches 
than was ever known before^ At tlie same time the sea at Hamp- 
ton Ijroke over its banks for some miles toget4ier and continued 
miming for several hours.' f 

* Sloplii'ii Jaiiiics' jiniinul. t Cotton Mather. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 193 

Fchntarij 25th. ' Second parish bouglit of deacon William 
Morss for seven pounds ten shillings half an acre of land near 
Swell's ferry, and a quarter of an acre of Ezekiel Ilale for a bury- 
ing place.' Swell's ferry was near Holt's rocks, now Rock's bridge. 

' March 12th. A committee of three was chosen to compute the 
cost of an alms house and to view a place ' to set it, and so forth.* 

Ap/-U 19th. Mr. Daniel Holbrook died. He had been called to 
assist in the work of the ministry, and would have been ordained, 
liad his life been spared. ' He was taken sick in the pulpit on Sim- 
day April fourteenth, after he had commenced preaching and was 
obliged to leave the meeting house.' f 

' This year,' says Stephen Jaques, in his journal, 'was the sadest 
year as ever was known in Newbury, for in ye month of April there 
died near forty parsons, most of them grown up, sometimes two a 
day, sometimes three a day, young men and wimmen. About the 
twenty-fourth day of the month the town capt a fast. There was 
nine parsons lay dead that day and I do believe fifty or sixty or 
more lay sick and it pleased God to hear the prayers of his people 
and to ansar them in a wonderful! mannar, for the nues was the 
next morning they were all better, and so it was, for very fue dyed 
aftarward. O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness 
and his wonderfnll works to ye children of men.' 

' Ma// -M, 172o. Newbury. Time of healih now. No person 
that I know of having been lately seized with the distemper that 
hath proved so mortal.' f 

On occasion of this mortality, John Calef, son of John Calof of 
Newbury, aged nineteen, WTote and published three elegies, which 
a writer thus notices, in the New England Cluronicle, of August 
fifth, 1723. 

' It is with the utmost ooncpin I would now represent to you the hard fate, 
which our countrymen are hke to sutler, who happen to die with a good name. 
The dead have been long enough abused and the living disturbed by the very 
dregs of the college and the plough in tlieir elegiac performances insomuch 
that some considerable persons among us have been constrained to do but little 
good and appear useless all their lifetime, to avoid the persecution of an elegy 
at their death. We have indeed flattered ourselves that it would be better living 
and better dying for all honest men in New England than it has been for a hun- 
dred years past, but to our mortification we lind that this spirit of versiticalion 
has spread itself among the neat cattle, no less than three elegies bavins been 
lately wrote and published by Mr. .lohn Calf of Newbury, one of which is ((;)0)i 
the death of the rei:ereiul Mr. Daniel Holbrook of Newbury, who was taken sick 
on the day ho designed to preach madam Fryer's funeral sermon ; and how well 
this bleating Calf has performed his task and embalmed the memory of the de- 
ceased the following lines may shew. 

' On sabbath day he went his way, 

As he was used to do, 

God's house unto, that they might know 

What he had for to shew. 

■When he came there he went to prayer, 

But veiy faint he spoke, 

* Town records. t New England Chronicle. 

25 



194 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

His mortal wound inclosed round, 

And gave a fatal stroke. 

His liat he took, his head he shook, 

A mournful sigh he gave, 

A shepherd true, the flock went through. 

Not daunted to the grave. 

He often said, when that he laid, 

His dying bed upon. 

Distracted he should surely be, 

Before his breatli was gone. 

Ood's holy will he must fulfil, 

But it was his desire 

For to declare the sermon rare 

Concerning madam Fryer. 

A man in pain doth pray in vain. 

Unless he prays to God 

To him let 's pray both night and day. 

To ease his heavy rod.' 

' His second performance is a mournful elea^y occasioned by the great mor- 
tality in the family of 3Ir. Henry Clark of Newbury, which is chiefly made up 
of the days of the montlt and ages of the persons deceased. And after he has 
barbarously buried the dead one after another as they were born, he cries out 
in a rapture 

' If such vines wither well may we, 
Wliose bodies so corrupted be. 

' His third set of jingles is called a funeral elegy occasioned by the death of 
Mr. Edmund Titcomb, at the close of which he has a few lines to shew that 
death is certain, but the time when very uncertain, and to make his argum'^at 
good, he mentions the death of Sampson and says 'no body can deny but that he 
died.' But methinks this is but a poor way of arguing for allowing it to be true 
that Sampson did die, yet it is as true that he died by his own hands and some 
are of opinion that if he had not been so foolishly heroic as to pull his house 
down about his ears he miglit have lived till this time. 

' To omit any further remarks on this elegiographei-, I think it necessary to in- 
form the world that since the publication of his elegies he has been inspired 
with a great desire of learning, and in order to prepare himself for college he 
has made a vigorous attempt upon his accidence and could boast before two 
credible witnesses that he had got it all by heart twice in a week. 

' I hear his ne.xt trial of skill will be on Cole's dictionary, and that he promises 
to get that by heart in three months' time, which if he does, it will be the 
interest of all gentlemen and ladies, deacons and ministers to beware of dying in 
good terms with his calce's head and pluck, for then no doubt 

' His hrniiis iritl issue forth and as they fly 
Conceal into a mouruftd elegy, 
The sense of which, if mortal man ran dive in 
His verse may i-aise the dead or kill tlie living. 

TiiuffKS.' 

This year there was a ship-yard, and ships were built, by Thorla's 
bridge. 

1724. 

The war witli the NoiTidgewock Indians, which began in 1721, 
was this year ended, by the death of Scbtistian Ralle, the French 
Jesuit. He was killed by lieutenant [Richar<l] Jac|ues, of Newbury. 
This information we obtain from Hutchinson, who obtained from 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 195 

' captain [Jeremiah] Moulton a miiiule and circumstantial account 
of tlie ' battle. He says, 'captain Moulton, with about eighty men 
reached Xorridgewock about three P. J\I. August twelfth and com- 
menced the attack. After driving the Indians (about sixty men 
and one hundred women and children) over the river and killing 
many, they returned to the town and found the Jesuit in one of the 
wig^vams iii-ing iipon a few of our men, who had not pursued after 
the enemy. Moulton had given orders not to Ivill the Jesuit, but by 
his firing from the wigwam one of our men being wound, a lieu- 
tenant Jaques stove open the door and shot him through the head. 
Jaques excused himself to his commanding olficcr, alleging that 
Ralle was loading his gun and declared that he would neither give 
nor take quarter.' 

On July sixth of this year, reverend Christopher Toppan, of 
Newbury, wrote a long letter to Cotton Mather, who, if any thing 
strange, prodigious, or unnatural happened, was sure to obtain an 
account of it. From this letter, now in the lilirary of the American 
Antiquarian Society, in Worcester, I make the following extract. 

' Concerning the amphisbena.* as soon as I received your commands I made 
diligent enquiry of several persons, -who saw it after it was dead, but they could 
give me no assurance of its having two heads, as they did not strictly examine 
it, not calling it the least in question because it seemed as really to have two 
heads as one. They directed me for further information to the person I before 
spoke of, who was out of town, and to the persons, who saw it alive and killed 
it, which were two or three lads, about twelve or fourteen, one of which a pert 
sensible youngster told me yt one of his mates running towards him crj-ed out 
there was a snake with two heads running after him. upon which he run to him, 
and the snake getting into a puddle of water, he with a stick pulled him out, 
after which it came towards him, and as he went backwards or forward, soe the 
snake would doe likewise. After a little time, the snake upon his striking at 
him, gathered up his whole body into a sort of (juoil, o.\cept both heads, which 
kept towards him, and he distinctlv saw two movlks and two ■.■(i»!rs (as ihcy are 
\'ulgarly called) which stinss or tongues it kept putting forth after the usual 
manner of snakes, till he killed it. Thus far the lad. This day understanding 
the person mentioned before was returned. 1 went to him, and asked him about 
the premises, he told me he narrowly examined the snake being brought to him 
by the lads after it was dead and he found two distinct heads one at each end, 
opening each with a Ihtle stick, in each of which he saw a sting or tongue, and 
that each head had two eyes, throwing it down and going away, upon second 
thoughts lie began to mistrust his own eyes, as to what he had seen, and there- 
fore returned a second time to examine it, if possible, more strictly, but still 
found it as before. This person is so credible that I can as much believe him 
as if I had seen him myself He tells me of another man yt e.xamined it as he 
did, but I cannot yet meet with him. 

' Fost.script. Before en.sealing I spoke with the other man. vrho examined the 
amphisbena (and he is also a man of credit) and he assures me ytit had really 
two heads, one at each end. two mouths, two slings or tongues and so forth. 

' Sir I have nothing more to add but that he- may have a remembrance in your 
prayers, who is, Sir, your most humble servant 

Christophkr Toppan.' 

' A smart close winter, ending February twenty-eighth, 1725.' f 

* Amphisbena, a snake with two heads, one where the tail should have been, 
t Reverend T. Smith's diary. 



196 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1725. 



This year, the third parish in Ncwbnry, now first in Ncwbury- 
port, erected their meeting-house, of wirich, the earliest notice that 
I find, is the I'oUovving, Irom a letter, written by William ftloody, 
of Byfiekl, to his brother, judge Sewall, dated seventeenth of Feb- 
ruary, 172-3. He thus writes : ' our people at towne are going to 
build another meeting house, but intend to set it so nigh to Mr. 
Toppan's, that 1 fear it will maliC great contention. Newbury are 
great sutTerers this day for wliat iiave happened by contending about 
the place of a meeting house.' 

Fehruari/ 35///. The town ' voted that a towne house should be 
built and should be set at the upper end of Greenleaf's lane,' ^ 
[now Stale street.] 

June 2olk. On this day, the third parish mccting-house, now first 
in Newburyport, was dedicated. The sermon was preached by the 
reverend John Tufts, of Newbury. The house was at first forty-five 
by sixty feet, in length and breadth, but, in 1736, was enlarged, thus 
making it sixty by eighty feet. It stood in what is now the market 
place, in Newburyport, the steeple fronting the river. The pulpit, 
which was on the westerly side, slantiing near where the town 
pump now stands. 

August 2d. The reverend John Lowell was called to the work 
of the ministry, having preached to the people from June twenty- 
seventh. 

Aiig/'st '-ilsf. ' About midnight a company of riotei-s assembled 
on horseback and with crow bars broke the doors, bolts and locks 
of the gaol in Newbury and took oil' on spare horses, Isaac Brown 
and Hugh Ditson charged with capital otiences. Governor William 
Dummer offered a reward of fifty pounds for their apprehension.' f 

November 301/1. A committee, consisting of 'lieutenant colonel 
Richard Kent, major Joseph Gerrish, deacon Caleb Moody, lieuten- 
ant Charles Pierce and captain John .^larch were appointed to use 
all proper means with others of other towns for to get the county of 
Essex divided into two counties.'* 

In November, the general court 'ordered a committee to view 
the situation of the westerly end of the first parish.' This committee 
met December first, and reported December eighth. 

December 39/A. 'The third jiarish voted to give Mr. John Low- 
ell one ImndnMl and thirty pounds yearly salary and twt) hundred 
to Ijuild liim a house.' 

The general court confirmed the dividing line of the third parish, 
which was 'Chandler's lane, [now Federal street.] tlu'nce to captain 
Jolm March's farm, [now Samuel Thurlow's,] Ihenee to the line of 
the second parish,' with this condition, that those who wished, might 
remain with the first parish. Ai)out thirty remained. Fiight fami- 
lies, south of Chandl(_M''s lane, wished to belong to tlic new society. 

* Town rccorcls. t News Letter. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 197 



1726. 



January 12th. The third congregational clnirch in Newbury, 
was this day gathered, by the reverend Cah-b Gushing, of Sahsbury. 
Twenty-two of the male members had been dismissed, January 
second, from the first church in Newbury, for that purpose. The 
day was observed as a day of fasting and prayer. A sermon was 
preached by the reverend JMoses Hale, of Byiield. 

January \S)th. The reverend John Lowell was ordained pastor 
of the third church in Newbury. Sermon by the reverend Tliomas 



Foxcroft, of Boston. 



1727 



January 17th. The town ' voted tliat a work house and a house 
of correction should be built.' * 

March 22(1. Fu-st parish ' voted to irive the third parish the 
old bell.' 

May IQth. A higiiway, of two rods wide, was laid out, ' from 
ye country road near to his honor the lieutenant governor Dummer's 
house to the parsonage land in Byfield parish on the land of John 
Dummer esquire, IMr. Richard Dunnner and Mr. Joseph Noyes.' * 

May 2.i<i. The third parish ' voted to get a bell weighing about 
four hundred pounds.' 

July 25th. ' Town voted to make a good and sufficient way over 
Ash swamp ■ — said way to be covered with suitable wood of thir- 
teen feet in length and the wood to be well covered with gravel all 
across the swamp,' * and so forth. 

Septemljcr IGth. 'A miglity tempest of wind and rain, wliieli 
did much hurl by land and sea.' f 

'In the month of September,' says Stejihen Jacjues, 'on Satm-day 
in ye afternoon ye wind began to be very strong and increased more 
in the niglit. It blew down and brake six trees in my oiild orchard 
and trees all over ye woods. There never was ye like known. It 
twisted young walnut trees in ye midst. It raised a great tide, 
which swept away near two hundred load of hay, that was in swath.' 

As the earthquake, which happened in October of this year, was 
one of the most violent ever fell in New England, and as, according 
to Hutchinson and other writci-s, 'the shock was greater at Newbury 
and other towns on Merrimack river than in any other part of Mas- 
sachusetts,' I shall be a little more minute, in my extracts from ac- 
counts written in Newbury at the time. From the records of the 
episcopal church in Newburyport, kept by the reverend Matthias 
Plant, I make the following extract. 



'O 



' October 29fft, 1727. Being the Lord's day at forty minutes past ten the same 
evening, there wa-s a most terrible, sudden and amazing earthquake, which did 

* Town records. t Reverend Mr. Phillips. 



198 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

damage to the greatest part of the neighbourhood, shook and threw douTi tops 
of chimnies and in many places the earth opened a foot or more. It continued 
very terrible by frequently bursting and shocking our houses and lasted all that 
week (the first being the loudest shock, and eight more that immediately fol- 
lowed, louder than the rest that followed) sometimes breaking with loud claps 
six times or oftener in a day and as often in the night until Thursday in the said 
week and then somewhat abated. Upon Friday in the evening and about 
midnight, and about break of day and on Saturday there were three very 
loud claps. We also had it on Saturday, the sabbath, and on Monday morning 
about ten, tho' much abated in the noise and terror. Upon the Tuesday follow- 
ing, November seventh, about eleven o'clock a very loud clap upon every d.ay 
or night more or less three, four, si.\ times each day or nisht and upon the 
twelfth being the Lord's day twice from betwi.vt three to half past four, in all 
which .space of time some claps were loud, others seemingly at a distance and 
much abated. Upon Monday two hours before day a loud burst and at half 
past two in the afternoon another burst was heard somewhat loud. On the nine- 
teenth about ten at night a very loud shock and another about break of day, 
■somewhat here abated, but at Haverhill a very loud burst, making their houses 
rock, as that over night did with us. It was Lord's day in the evening. It hath 
been heard twice since much abated. The very first shock opened a new spring 
by my father Samuel Bartlet's house in the meadow and threw up in the lower 
grounds in Newbury several loads of white sand. After that some loud claps, 
shocking our houses. On December seventeenth, about half an hour after ten 
being Lord's day at evening a very loud burst, shocking our houses. jVnother 
about four the next morning abated.' 

The next account, is one ■\vrillen liy Steplicii Jaqnes, and is as 
follows, namely : 

' On the twenty-ninth day of October between ten and eleven it being sabath 
day night there was a terabel earthtpuike. The like was never known in this 
land. It came with a dreadful roreing, as if it was thunder, and then a pounce 
like grate guns two or three times close one after another. It lasted about two 
miiiits. It shook down briks from ye tops of abundance of chimnies, some 
allraost all the heads. Kiiight's an'il Toppan's fell. All that was about ye 
houses trembled, beds shook, some cellar walls fell partly down. Benjamin 
Plumer's stone without his dore fell into his cellar. Stone wals fell in a hundred 
plasis. Most peopel gat up in a moment. It came very often all ye night aftar, 
and it was heard two or three times some davs and nights, and on the sabath 
day night on ye twenty-fourth of December following,' between ten and eleven 
it was very loud, as any time except ye first, and twice that night aftar but not 
so loud. The first night it broke out in more than ten places in ye town in ye 
clay low land, blowing up ye sand, sum more, sum less. In one place near 
Spring i.sland it blew out, as it was judged twenty loads, and when it was cast 
on coals in ye night, it burnt like brimstone.' 

The following is a copy of a letter, \\Titfcn by Henry Sewall, of 
Ne\vl)\iry, fo his kinsman, jud^c Samnel Sewall, of Boston. It is 
printed in the .Boston News Letter. 

' Neifhurij. Nacenihcr21st, 1727. 
' Honored sir: 

' Thro' God's goodness to us we are all well and have been preserved at 
the time of the late great and terrible earthcpiake. We. were sitting by the fire 
and about half after ten at night our house shook and trembled as if it would 
have fallen to pieces. Being atfrighted we ran out of doors, wdien we found 
the ground did tremble and we were in great fear of being swallowed up alive, 
but riod ))reserved us and did not suffer it to break out. till it got forty or fifty 
r(j(ls from the house, where it broke the ground in tho common near a place 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 199 

called Sprincj island, and there is from sixteen to twenty loads of fine sand 
thrown out where the ground broke, and several days after the water boiled out 
like a sprina:, but is now dry and the ground closed up again. I have sent some 
of the sand that you may see it. Our house kept shaking about three minutes.' 

December 7th. The church connected with the thuxl ]5arish, in 
Newbury, met, and chose a select number of the members, ' to 
meet once a month and consider what may be for the good of the 
town in general, especially the churches in it and more particularly 
their own church. The other churclies proceeded in the same 
method and upon the same design.' * 



1728. 

The reverend Mathias Plant thus continues his account of the 
earthquakes this year. 

'January third, about nine at niaht an easy clap. Saturday night and day 
five claps. From about si.x: at night to four Sunday morning some people said 
it continued for half an hour without ceasing burst upon burst. Upon Wednes- 
day January twenty-fourth about half an hour after nine at night one loud burst 
followed in half a minute by another much abated. Upon Lord's day January 
twenty-eighth another easy burst about half after si.x in the morning, another 
about ten same moruing easy. At the same night about one o'clock a loud 
burst. Monday January twenty-ninth it was heard twice. Tuesday the thirti- 
eth aboiit two in the afternoon there was a very loud clap equal'to any but the 
first for terror, shaking our houses so that many people were afraid of their fal- 
ling down, pewter and so forth was shaken otf dressers at consiilerable distance. 
Another shock much abated about half an hour afterwards. February twenty- 
first about half after twelve at midnight a considerable loud burst. February 
twenty-ninth about half after one P. M. another.' Mr. P. also mentions shocks 
as having occurred ■ March seventeenth about three A. M. March nineteenth 
about forty minutes past one P, M, and at nine the same night. April twenty- 
eighth about five P. M. May twelfth Sunday morning about forty minutes past 
nine a loud and long clap. May seventeenth P^riday about eight P. M. a loud 
and long clap. Blay twenty-second several claps in the morning, and about 
ten the same morning a very loud and long clap. May twenty-fourth about 
eleven at night June sixth about three in the morning. June eleventh at nine 
A. M. July third A. M. and July twenty-third about break of day a very loud 
clap.' 

January 20th. ' About two o'clock a shock of an earthquake.' 

' March ISth. The third parish voted to add thirty pounds to 
the thirty pounds granted by the town,' f for the schools. 

April 16th. ' The town received of the State one thousand three 
hundred and tvventy-eight pounds, and fifteen shillings, being their 
proportion of the sixty thousand pounds, raised by the state to 
be loaned to raise a revenue.' J 

May 12th. The town ' voted not to build a town house or an 
alms house in a short time.' f 

' In .July there was a great drought in Maine.' § 

* Third parish church records. t Third parish records. 

t Town records. 4 Reverend T. Smith's diary. 



200 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

November 2tith. The lliird parish chose a committee 'to select a 
place for a school house and also for a burying place.' This was 
the commencement of the burying place near Frog pond. 



1729. 

Janiiari/ 2Sth, 1729, died Daniel Emery, aged thirty-six. In his 
will, he gave sixly pounds for the use of the ministry, of which, 
ten pounds was for communion plate, twenty pounds more for the 
first cimrch, which should be gathered at C'hester, and a minister 
ordained, twenty pounds for Nottingham, twenty-five pounds to the 
jKirish in which he belonged, twenty-five pounds to Rlr. Tufts, fifty 
pounds to his kinsman at college, and one thousand pounds to his 
brothers and sisters, besides providing liberally for his widow. 

Apri/ I5th. The inhabitants of the upper part of llie west parish, 
on this day made an agreement ' to build a meeting house fifty feet 
by thirty-eight and twenty foot stud.' 

Aiig'iisl 2Slh. The people in the upper ptu-t of the west parish, 
petitioned the general court, to divide the west jjarish into two pre- 
cincts. They state, among other things, that they 'have near eight 
score dwelling houses, besides churchmen and quakers.' 

From an accurate map of the west parish of Xewburv, taken by 
.John Brown, esquire, and dated September fifteenth, 1729, on which 
is drawn, a representation of every house in the parish, and the 
name of each occupant, it appears thai the number of houses was 
at that lime one hundred and eighty-fom-, and number of families 
one hundred and eighty-three. 

'March nineteenth betwixt two and three P. M. earthquake very- 
loud. September eighth at half past three P. M. another shock. Sep- 
tember twenty-ninth about half past four P. ]\I. another. October 
twenty-ninth ihe earthquake was heard twice that night, one of the 
times being about the time of night it was the first time we heard 
it two years past. 

' November fourteenth about eiglit A. j\I. it was loud being at- 
tended with two cracks like unto two sudden claps of thunder and 
shook the house. November twenty-seventh, about eight P. JNI. a 
very loud noise and a large shock of the earthquake. It was heard 
at Ipswich.' * 

1730. 

Februari/ 1 9fh. ' The earthtjuake was pretty loud before day.' 
March lOfh. Town voted not to approir.ue more than six per- 
sons to keep houses of puhhc enlertainment. 

March 17///. ' The thirtl parish voted to set their school house 

* RevciL'iul JhiUliias Pliuil's joiiraal. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 201 

by Frog pond about two lliirds of the way between Fish street 
[now State street] and Green street.' * 

This year the ' burying place,' now burying hill, near Frog pond, 
was inclosed with a board fence.'* 

In this year, shocks of an earth(]uake were noticed and recorded, 
on ' February eighth about eight P. M. and at midnight. February 
twenty-sixth two shocks a quarter before two A. M. April twelfth 
about eight P. M. July twenty-eighth about nine A. M. August 
fifteenth two shocks about eight A. M. November sixth about 
eleven A. M. a loud shock. November fourteenth about nine A. 
M. another. November twenty-fifth another about twenty minutes 
past eight P. M. December eleventh at a ([uartcr before seven P. 
M. December nineteenth about half past ten P. M. a very heavy 
shock. It was perceived at Boston and Portsmouth about equal to 
ours here.' 

1731. 

Februarij 22d. The town voted this day 'to build a town house 
in Chandler's lane,' now Federal street. From this vote fifty-seven 
persons dissented.f 

' March 9lh. Rlr. John Woodbridge was chosen a grammer 
school master for the year ensuing and shall have forty-five pounds 
for his service and shal/ have none but Latin scholars.'' f 

March 9lh. ' The town granted liberty to Wilfiam Johnson and 
nine others to build a wharf at the foot of Chandler's lane [now 
Federal street] on condition it be built within four years and that 
the inhabitants of Newbury may fasten their hay boats or gondolas 
to said wharf without paying for it.' 

Liberty was also given to Abiel Somerby and others, to build a 
whai-f at" the foot of Queen street, now Mai-ket street, on siindar 
conditions. 

' March 22d. William Esley and Joseph Morse junior were 
chosen and appointed to tune the psalm in ye meeting house in 
tune of publick worship and take their turn in that work that it 
may be done with ye more ease and cheerfulness. And the said. 
Morse is appointed to sit in the fore seat of ye south body with ye 
said Dsley for ye managing said work.' J 

3Tarch 29lh. The second parish voted to desire the general coml, 
to confirm the setting off the fourth parish, from the second, which 
was done by a committee, on February twenty-second, according 
to a vote passed by the second parish, January sLxth, consenting to 
the division. 

3Tai/ 10th. ' Town voted to give to the first parish in Kittery 
fifty pounds towards building a meeting house.' f 

Shocks of the earthquake were this year noficed by Mr. Plant, 
as happening ' January seventh, about seven P. M. January elev- 

• Third parish records. f Town records. } First parish records. 

26 



203 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

entli about midnight. March seventh five P. M. May twenty- 
eighth nine A. M. July tiflii aljout sunrise. August twenty-first, 
evening. October twenty-first about eleven P. M. loud and long.' 

On February first, a subscription paper was ch-culated, for the 
purpose of raising money to build a town house, 'to be set where 
will be best entertaining for horses, for strangers and so forth,' pro- 
vided ' any person will give the land to set said house u])on between 
the meeting house and Archelaus Adams' tavern house.' 

It was finished, and conditionally deeded to the county, February 
eighteenth, 1735, reverting to the town and parish, should no court 
be held in it for nine months. The original cost of the building 
was five hundred and thirty pounds, and ten shillings, of which the 
county paid two hundred pounds, and individuals contributed the 
remainder. It was occupied as a court house, town house, school 
house, and so fortli, and stood on land, given liy Benjamin Morse, 
opposite the head of RIarlborough street, where captain Amos 
Knight's house now stands. It remained there till ]\Iarch fifth, 1780, 
when it was bought at auction by John Mycall, esquke. 



1732. 

^Jdiiiian/ 5th. This day died in Dcdham that noted Indian, 
Samuel Hyde in the one hundred and sixth year of his age. He 
was a faithful soldier to tlie English. It was said by himself, and 
of him by others that he killed nineteen of the enemy Indians (he 
kept the account on his gun) and would fain have made up the 
number twenty.' ^ 

This 'noted Indian' was for sonic time a resident in Newbury, 
of whom many anecdotes are still told, indicative not only of his 
wit and shrewdness, but of his incorrigible mendacity. The phrase, 
'you lie like Sam Hyde,' or, 'you lie like old Hyde,' expresses to a 
native of Newbiu-y, the ne pl/is nllra of lying. Among the testi- 
monies on flic, among the county ]-)npers, is one concerning him, in 
a complaint against a citizen of Newbury, which is quite character- 
istic, but not suitable for publication. In a pdifion to the general 
court, AvTgust twcrity-tiflh, Ki/ri, Daniel Ciookin, senior, testifies, 
' that Sam and Jeremy Hyde have acquitted themselves well both 
for courage and fidelity, especially Sam Hyde, whom they have 
witnessed to be one of the best and most active of them all,' and 
that ' he toolv at Bridgewatcr one young man, and five young wo- 
men and children at other places, and he slew one lusty young man 
and brought his hand to captain Hunting at mount Hope.' 

May 12th. The town voted, that 'tlie school be kept at the 
town's house by the meeting house in the first parish this year.' 
This was probably the watch house. 

' Scptcinl)cr Bth, at eleven P. M. there was a small shock of an 
earthquake.' f 

* News Letter. t Parish records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 203 



1733. 

' The winter of 1732-3,' says Stephen Jaques, 'was very severe. 
The snow fell about ye fourteenth of November and lay until April. 
Hay was three pounds a load. Peach trees began to blossom ye 
eleventh of May,' [old style.] 

March 13l/i. A committee was appointed 'to procure a frame 
and other materials for a town house,' which, on ]\Iay eleventh, the 
town granted ' liberty to the first parish to build within two years 
on their own cost and charge near lieutenant John March's house,' * 
and wdiich, on December fourth, the first parish ' voted should be 
for the use of the county.' f 

' October Idf/i, Friday about midnight,' says Mr. Plant, 'there 
was a long and loud noise of the earthquake.' 

' November Ath. Moses BradsU-eet killed on Plum island in a 
violent storm sixty wild geese with a club.' J 

November 25th. A moose, seven feet high, was killed in 
Safisbury. 

1734. 

'■Jannnry 16//;, about twenty minutes past ten A. M. there was 
an earthquake Ions; and loud.' § 

' Jaiiiiari/. Mr. .John Stickney, aged forty-one, a noted coaster, fell 
overboard from his sloop and was drowned.' 

' The winter of 1733-4 was very moderate.' 

3Iai/ 1th. The town granted, on certain conditions, 'liberty to 
have a bridge built over the river Parker provided it may be built 
and maintained without being a charge to this town of Newbury 
and within ten years from ye date hereof.' 

\.Tune 29lh, at a quarter past three P. M. there was another 
earthquake.' § 

' Aiin-vst. A great storm. Much hay carried off and Indian 
corn damaged.' 

September VSlh. Town ' voted that the town house shall be fin- 
ished with the remainder of the interest money of ye first bank, and 
that said house shall be made sure to the town and coimty.' 

September 2'3d. A committee was chosen to comply with ' the 
order of court July thirtieth to build a prison.' 

' October 9th, about twenty minutes past ten A. M. an earthquake.' § 

'November 12lh, about one A. M. we had the loudest noise and 
greatest sliock (except the first of all) very awful and terrible and 
long. November sixteenth at sLx A. I\L a severe shock.' § 

* Town records. t Parish records. J Boston paper. § JI. Plant. 



204 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1735. 



' Fehruary 2J, about six P. iM. tlicre was a sliock of the earlli- 
quake pretty loud.' * 

' March Uth. The town voted thirty pounds to make Rolfs lane 
a town way.' 

' March 2ist, about half past ten A. JM. there was a loud noise of 
the (earthquake.' * 

In May this year, a disorder, called the throat distemper, ap))earcd 
in Kingston, New Hampshire. The first person who took the dis- 
ease, was a Mr. Clough, who, having examined the swelled throat 
of a dead hog, died suddenly with a swelling in his throat. In 
about three weeks, three children, about a mile from jNIr. dough's, 
were attacked, and died in thirty-six hours. In I'ourtecn towns in 
New Hampshire, nine hundred and eiglity-four died between June, 
1735, and July sixteenth, 1736. In Massachusetts, the mortality 
was neaj'ly as great as in New Hampshire. A particular account 
of the number in each town in ihe two states, was published, by 
the reverend Mr. Fitch, in Portsmouth, and the reverend John 
Brown, of Haverhill. Of the mortality in Newbury, Stephen 
Jaques thus WTites : 

' A sickness bearan by the water side about September at Thomas Smilli's, 
which carried otl' two of his children and prevailed among the cliildren, so that 
by the middle of February there died from Chandler's lane [Federal street] 
with the falls eighty-one persons. John Boynton lost eiglat chiklren. Benjamin 
Knight had three buried in one grave.' Mr. John Boyton had four children 
buried in one grave, two on Saturday, and two on Sunday, December twentieth 
and twenty-first. In another place, Stephen Jatjues writes as follows. 

' Thursiliiy, Octohcr i\)th. Aly wife went into a cliamber, that was locked, to 
fetch candels, that was in a bushel under a bed, and as she kneeled down and 
took her candels and. laid them on the bed and thrust back the half bushel, 
there came out a child's hand. She saw the tinaers, the hand, a streked boy's 
cote or sleeve, and upon sarch there was no child in the chamber. On Thurs- 
day a fortnite aftar, my Steven's son Henry died. The next Thursday Ebene- 
zer died. The next Monday morning his eldest son Stephen died.' 

July 2ifh. Town ' chose Joseph Gen-ish and Henry Eolfe es- 
quires to use projier means to have ye county of Essex divided into 
two counties.' 

' In September a Newbury sloop, Oflln Boardman, master, with 
a cargo of rafts at her stern was overset on her passage from Casco 
bay to Boston and thirteen persons drowned.' 



1 73G. 

Febrnary 2d. There was an earthqualvc. 

March. The third jiarisli ' voted to enlarije their meeting iiouse 
thirty-five feet back.' It was, when erected, in 1725, forty-five l)y 

* M Plant. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 205 

sixty feet. It was now eighty by sixty feet. They also ' voted to 
petition the general court to have hberty to raise money in order to 
keep a grammar school lor themselves, as the first parish has peti- 
tioned, and be freed from paying to any otlier school.' On the twenty- 
fifth of March, the first parish had petitioned for the same liberty.'* 

'/«/// loth. Aboat three quarters past nine in the forenoon, tliere 
was a loud shock of the earthquake.' f 

September. The ways for landing of feiTy boats was settled by 
court. 

Scj/tember 2\st. A committee of three 'was appointed to treat 
with his majestie's justices about moving the gaol now standing in 
Newbury.' J 

September 21st. ' The town leased March's, now Newbury port, 
ferry to Benjamin Woodbridge and Moses Gerrish for seven years 
at thirty-six pounds a year.' if 

^October 1st. About half past one A. M. there was a great and 
very loud shock of the earthquake.' f 

^November 12th. About two A. M. another shock, and about six- 
the same morning another.' f 

^December 29t/i. There was a surprising bloody appearance in 
the heavens.' § 

In this year thirteen families in Byfield bm-ied all then- children 
with the ' throat distemper.' 

' In the year 1734 a few caterpillars of a peculiar kind appeared on the oak 
trees as soon as the leaves began to grow. In 1735, a much larger number, one 
hundred to one, were seen, but in this year the number of caterpillars was 
astonishing. Almost all the woods in Haverhill and Bradford, some part of the 
east end excepted, the easterly part of Chester and Andover, many thousand 
acres of thick woods had their leaves and twigs of this year's growth entirely 
eaten up. They cleared orT every ijreen thing so that the trees were as naked 
as in the depth of winter. They were larger than our common caterpillar and 
made no nests. No river or pond could slop them. They would swim like 
doL's, and travel in unaccountable armies and completely cover whole houses 
and trees. Cart and carriage wheels would be dyed green from the numbers 
they crushed in their progress.' || 

Richard KeUy, of Amesbury, in his diary, says, 'they arc larger 
than the orchard caterpillar, but smooth on the back with a black 
streak with white spots. They are thought by many to be the 
palmer worm.' 

1737. 

^February 6th. About a fpiartcr past four P. M. there was a 
considerable shock of an earth(|uake.' f 

'In ye spring of this year,' says Richard Kelly, 'was an extraor- 
dinary scarce time for hay. Many cattle in the covmtry were lost 
and many others brought very low, and the summer after was the 
scarcest time for corn that ever I knew.' 

* Parish records. t M. Plant. { Town records. 

§ Reverend Mr. Parkman's manuscripts. || Honorable Bailey Bartlet's almanacs. 



206 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

March 15tJi. Hnm})lircy Richards was chosen sexton of ihc first 
parish in Newbury, a post which he occupied without interruption 
till his death in ft'Iarch, 1785, a period of forty-eight years. His 
successor was Moses Short, who was annually chosen to the same 
ollice, from 1789, till a short time before his death, July sixth, 1841, 
a period of nearly fifty-two years. 

June loth. Tlic general court impowcred the inhabitants of the 
first parish to supj)ort a grammar school, and exempted them from 
paying elsewhere. 

Aiig'ust 10/h. On this day the assembly of New Hampshire met 
at Hampton falls, and that of Massachusetts, at Salisbury. A large 
cavalcade was formed at Boston, which with a troop of horse es- 
corteil the governor. At Newbury ferry he was met by another 
troop, and at the supposed divisional Line between the states by 
three more, who escorted him with great pomp to the George tav- 
ern in Hampton falls, where he held a council and made a speech 
to the New Hampshire assembly. The object, which both assem- 
blies had in viev/ in thus meeting within five miles of each other, 
was to settle the line, a subject, which had created gTeat interest in 
both provinces. The governor's cavalcade occasioned the following 
pasquinade. 

' Dear paddy you never did behold such a sight, 

As yesterday morning was seen before night. 

You, in all your born days saw, nor I neither, 

So many line horses and men ride together. 

At the head, the lower house trotted two in a row, 

Then all the higher house pranced after the low. 

Then the governor's coach galloped on like the wind, 

And the last that came foremost were the troopers behind. 

But I fears it means no good to your neck, nor mine, 

For they say tis to fix a right place for the line.' * 

From November seventeenth, 17.35, to October sixth, 17.37, one 
hundred and ninety-nine persons died with the throat distemper in 
Haverhill, Massachusetts. 

^December llh. A little before eleven at night the earth (juaked 
very much.' f 

1738. 

The regfilar increase of the mercantile interest among 'the water 
side people,' especially in sliip building, luid the consequent addition 
to the population, not only from other parts of the country, but from 
Europe, made it extremely inconvenient for the congrcgationalists 
to worship either in the first or second parish, or for the episcopa- 
lians to worship in Queen Anne's chapel, ' on the plains.' The 
former, as has been noticed, had erected their house of worship in 
the centi-e of business, as early as 1725, and had been obliged to 
make what had been a breadth of forty-five feet, a length of 
eighty feet in 1736, and though a portion of the latter had, according 

* Belknap. . t M. Plant. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 207 

to a Statement made by INIr. Plant in his diary, begun to agitate the 
subject of building a new church on a more convenient spot, as 
early as 1725, nothing effectiial was done till this year, when saint 
Paul's church was erected on the spot, which its successor now 
occupies. The same cause, which induced many of the builders 
of the congregadonal meeting-house on the plains, to become epis- 
copalians, and to name their house of worship, Queen Anne's 
chapel, namely, the distance they had to travel, soon produced a 
division among themselves. The original founders of -the society, 
who had been unwilling to go 'to meeting;'' up river as far as Pipe- 
stave hill, were equally unwilling to go 'to church,'' down river as 
far as Market street, while the ' water-side people ' had objections 
equally valid against worshiping at ' the plains.' 

They, therefore, as soon as practicable, took the necessary steps 
to obviate the difficulty. ' Joseph Atkins, esquire, oflered to give 
fifty pounds towards building a new church by the water side 
and I,' says Mr. Plant, 'proposed to give the same sum. Here 
was laid the foundation of a new church,' and so forth, which, 
though raised in 1738, Avas not siilHcienlly finished for public 
worship till 1740. In February, 1742, eleven persons gave Mr. 
Plant a written invitation to preach at saint Paul's church. This, 
with the consent of the people at ' the plains,' he agi-eed to do, every 
other Sunday, but in Decenrber, regret having been expressed, that 
such an invilation had been given to Mr. P., a vote was passed, 
that he should deliver up the instrument, inviting him down from 
queen Anus chapel. This was accordingly done, April twenty- 
first. 1743, and vktuaUy excluded him from saint Paul's church. 
The contest now, was between Mr. Plant and the water side 
people, they desiring to manage the affairs of saint Paul's church 
in their own way, independent of him, and he, on the other hand, 
deiuanding, that they should give him induction into saint Paul's 
church. This they refused to give, and the difficulty thus com- 
menced, was not settled till June twenty-fourth, 17-51, when, in the 
language of the reverend doctor Slorss, ' the independence of the 
gentlemen at the water side was relinquished and Mr. P. was legally 
inducted into saint Paul's church.' In his private diary, of which 
I have a copy, he details AN^th great miimteness, all the difficulties 
between himself and the water side people, in letters to doctor Bear- 
croft, which are very interesting, but of which we have no room, 
even for an abstract. He appears to have been a man of strict 
integrity, and gi-eat benevolence, and encountered the difficulties 
which beset him, with firmness and discretion. On Decemlier 
twenty-third, 1751, he made choice of Mr. Edward Bass, to assist 
him in the work of the minislry, and died Ajtril second, 1753, aged 
sixty-one, having officiated from April, 1722, a period of thirty- 
one years. 

February 26fh. On this day a council was called, in the second 
parish, to take into consid(>ra1ion 'the distressed state and condition 
of ye second church of Christ in Newbury by reason of their rev- 



208 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

erend pastor Mv. John Tufts being charged by a woman or women 
of his indecent carriage and also of his abusive and unchristian 
behavior towards them at several times and so forth.' * 

The council, consisting of ten ministers and twenty delegates, 
met, but Mr. Tufts refused to unite with the council, vehemently 
opposed the swearing of the witnesses against him, and in this un- 
setded stale of affairs, he asked and obtained a dismission from the 
church and people, March second, the clmrch refusing to recommend 
him as a christian minister, and stating, among other things, that, as 
Mr. T. had never been admitted a member of the second church, a 
recommendation and dismission from the church would not be 
proper. 

Mail ISfli. The town granted permission to Joseph Atkins, and 
sixly-ibur others, to build a wharf at the foot of Queen street, now 
Market street. 

This year there was published in Boston, a pamphlet of seven- 
teen pages of rhyme, concerning the ravages of the throat distem- 
per. The two following verses are a sullieient specimen. 

To Ki'irbimj O go and see 
To Ihunphm and Kiiis;stnn 
To Viirk likewise and Kiltt-ry 
Behold what God hath done. 

The bow of God is hent abroad 

Its arrows swiftly tly 

Young men and maids and sucking bal>es 

Are smitten down Ihcrel.iy. 



1739. 

Jdiiiiari/ lO/A, was the first snow Ihis winter that lay. 

Jamiarij 31*/. Reverend Thomas Barnard ordained pastor of the 
second church and parish in Newbury. At this time, the church 
contained two hundred and twenty members. 

April. \lt]i. Mr. William Coker, of Newisury, and Mr. Samuel 
Green, of Boston, were drowned in JMerrimac river. 

Axn'ust 2(1, about lialf past two, a great shock of the earlh(|uak'e.f 

December 'dt.h. No ice on Merriiriac river, no I'rost in tlie ground. 

December '29t/i. The town chose two persons ' lo prosecute any 
person, who should kill any buck, doe or fawn contrary to law.' 

December 29///. General court passed a law. restraining cattle 
and horses from going on Plum island, mider a jienalty, forbidding 
the cutting of busiies, ami so forth. 



1740. 

In May, Mr. Samuel Long, of Newbiu-y, biii-ied his wife and 
four children, (all his family,) willi the ' throat distemper.' 

* Letter miesive. t M. riant. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 209 

September 10th. The reverend George Whitefield preached on 
this day, for the first time in Newbury. At one of his subsequent 
addresses, in front of the meeting-house, which then stood on the 
east side of High street, a few rods south of Federal street, a stone 
was thrown at liim, which nearly struck the bible from his hand. 
His answer to this unprovoked assault, was llie following. ' I have 
a warrant from God to preach. His seal, (holding up the bible,) is 
in my hand and I stand in the King's high way.' * 

The summer and fall of tiiis year, were as remarliable for the 
rain, wliich fell and flooded the country, as the subsequent winter 
was, for the severity of the cold. It was probably the most severe 
winter ever known, since the settlement of tlie country. Reverend 
JMr. Plant, Stephen Jaqucs, honorable Nathaniel Collin, and many 
others, recorded some of the most remarkable events that occurred, 
from which I shall make a few extracts. 

' The summer of 1740 was a wet summer. In October gathered 
our corn, one third very green. We could not let it stand by reason 
of rain. On November fourth, the winter set in very cold. On 
the fifteenlli a foot of snow fell, about the twenty-second of the 
month it began to rain and it rained three weeks togetlier. The 
stars in the evening seemed as bright as ever, but the next morning 
rain again, which occasioned a freshet in Merrimack river, the like 
was not known by no man for seventy years. It rose fifteen feet 
at Haverhill and floated off many houses. It was said that a sloop 
might pass between Emery's mill and his house, and that the water 
was twelve feet deep on Rawson's meadow at Turkey hill.' f 

' It washed away all the wood and timber for building of ships 
so that for fourteen days every inhabitant was fishing for wood in 
the river. It was commonly supposed that upwards of two thou- 
sand cords were taken up on Plum island.' \ 

' Our corn,' says Stephen Jaques, 'moulded as fast as six hogs 
could eat it.' 

' December 12th. The river was shut up again by the severity of 
the weather. Before the first of January loaded teams passed from 
Haverhill, Newbury, Newtown, Amesbury, sometimes twenty, thir- 
ty, forty in a day having four, six, eight oxen in a team and landed 
below the upper long wharf nigh to the ferrv. People ran upon 
the ice for several days to half tide roclc. Shipping was all froze in 
and this severity extended to New York government. On Decem- 
ber fourteentii about thu'ty-five luinutes past six tliere was a loud 
noise of the earthquake.' J 

1741. 

'January tenth there was a thaw, whicli held three days. Janu- 
ary eighteenth about four A. M. and on Jamiary twenty-fifth about 

* Reverend S. P. William's historical discourse. t Stephen Jaqucs. 

t Reverend M. Plant. 

27 



210 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

ten minutes before four P. INI. tlicre was an earthquake. February 
third about a foot more of snow feU, February ninth another great 
snow, and on Febraary — another. In February the streets were 
full of snow to the top of the fenees and in some places eiglit or 
ten feet deep. Tlie river all the time was frozen over to colonel 
Pierce's farm. March twenty-eighth the sleighing was good on 
the river to colonel Peirce's farm and Plum island. April seventh 
there fell about a foot of snow so there now lay about four feet 
deep in the woods. From December fifth 1740 till March twetity- 
seventh 1741 Plum island river was frozen over. On the nineteenth 
and Iwenlieih of Mareii the river was frozen to the lower end of 
Seal island. In Plum island river the ice broke about thirtieth of 
March. There were twenty-seven snows tliis winter, the hardest 
winter that ever was known.' ' The pcoj^lc of Newbury had the 
principal ]r,n1 of their corn ground at Salisbury mills. From Feb- 
ruary third till ftlarch thirty-first Pearson's mill was stopped by the 
ice. P'ebruary twenty-eighth the ice at Deer island the strongest 
place of the tide was thirty inches thick.' 

Some time this year, commenced in this county and town, the 
remarkable revival of religion, which, commenced vmder the preach- 
ing of the reverend Jonathan Edwards, in 173^5, and continued by 
Whilefield, Teiment, and many others, agitated not only New Eng- 
land, but the whole country. An accurate account of the 'great 
awakening' in this vicinity, the efl'ects of which are to this day 
everywhere visible, would require a volume. To other sources, 
therefore, must the inquisitive reader look, on this interesting sub- 
ject. The following hitherto unpublished letter, will doubtless 
gratify some of my readers. 

'To Nathaniel Collin, esquire, at Newbury. 

Kittcry, October t-K/i, 1741. 

' Honored Sir, 

' This may inform 5-on thai we had a comfortable time home and found all 
in health. 

' But the chief design is to give yon a short representation of the mighty 
work of God at York. Tlie reverend Mr. VVilhird of Biddeford took a journey 
the last week up as far as our town to visit the brethren and see how they did, 
preached at every town as he came: on Tuesday twice at York, on Wednesday 
at our parish from these words : ' Lo they that are far from thee shall peiish,' 
showed very phiinly in what respects we were far from God and the certainty 
of our perishing, if taken away in that state : some few only much ali'ected. 
Upon his return to York on Thursdav he preached from Hebrews third, seventh 
and eighth verse.s : ' wherefore (as the Holy Ghost sailh) to-day, if ye will hear 
his voice, harden not vour hearts, as in the provocation, in the ilay of temptation 
in the wilderne.ss.' Where-God was pleased in a nn)st wontleiful manner to 
.set home his word bv his spirit on the hearts of the hearers. Being much 
desired to preach to them on Friday and Saturday, he did with the .same pow-er 
and the sann> inlluence of the .spirit of God accompanying his sermons. Mr. 
ISloody seeinLr that God had so blest his preaching at "^'ork desired him to tarry 
the sabbath which he did and preached three .sermons on said day. the blessing 
still followinir. Mr. Moody supplied Mr. Willard's pulpit. The news reached 
ns on Satnidav tiight. On iMonday Mr. Rogers with thirty or forty of his hear- 
ers went to Wnk to see this marvellous work, father Bartlett and myself in 
company (lo my great amaze and surprize) for the one half was not told us, 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 211 

neither indeed is it possible for my pen to express it to you. A universal concern 
about their souls and what they shall do to be saved. Jlore than forty that no 
doubt are truly converted, about thirty of \vh<im have received comfort and are full 
of the love of God and Christ, perfectly in a rapture of joy beins in full assurance 
of faith, whose mouths are tilled with praises to God and the riches of his free 
grace in Chri.st manifested so clearly to them. Most of them younfc persons 
under twenty-five and down to the ago of five and six years. Some middle 
aged and a few old persons. To hear these little children of six, seven and 
eight years old talk so powerfully, wonderfully and experimentally of the things 
of God and Christ and particularly of the doctrine of free grace is unaccount- 
able were it not truly by the spirit and power of the Almighty. The finger of 
the Lord is most certainly in this matter. 

' It would be almost endless to give you a particular account of those I talked 
with, both of those new converts and also of them under strong and hopeful 
conviction. The like was never seen in New Enuland. The conversion of 
those at Northampton |n34, 5 and 6,] aceordinir to INIr. Edwards' account is not 
comparable to this. The Lord is pleased to make quick work of it. Some 
convinced, humbled to the dust and converted in a minute, others in an hour — 
others in a night and others longer — to see them under convictions and in such 
an extraordinary concern, so that the most acute or most sharp pain of body 
that ever I saw is any way comparable to it — and how should it be, since Sol- 
omon tells us that the spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity, but a wounded 
spirit, who can bear — they are indeed pricked in their heart and cry out what 
shall we do. They admit of no meat, drink or sleep till they find rest for their 
souls in Christ. 

' Mr. Rogers preached to a very numerous congregafion on the same day at 
York and the spirit accompanied his sermon as well as Mr. VViilard's. Three 
persons in particular that were mocking and scoffing on sabbath evening were 
wonderfully convinced at this sermon — altho' there was net the least terror in 
it, but altogether on comfort and Joy. Mr. Rogers, as he expressed, had a far 
more clear manifestation of the love of God upon his own soul than ever he had 
before. He was moved to preach upon this text in the eleventh chapter of Acts 
and twenty-third verse, ■ who when he came and had seen the grace of God 
was glad ; ■ and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave 
unto the Lord. 

'May God of his infinite mercy and free grace visit our town and yours with 
the like inlluence of his holy spirit and the whole land and world of mankintl, 
which is the prayer and heart's desire of your dutiful son, 

Edmund Coffin. 

' Love and duty and respects to all as due. 

'P. S. Young Mr. Moody, 'tis thought, will come speedily out of his dark 
and despairing condition in this day of God's mighty power and visitation. 
He is become very rational in his discourse, and mightily composed in his mijid 
to what he hath been for these four years past, and 'tis to be hoped will shortly 
appear strong in the cause of Christ.' 



1742. 

' March 27th, a quarter before 7 A. M. tlio noise of tlic earthqnalie 
was very loud, but it did not make any shakin.o;, as I could pereeive, 
although I was alone and seated in my linle house. One thing 1 
took notice of namely, at all times before, when we heard the noise, 
which way our faces were, that way the noise always sexMned to be, 
but now the noise seemed to be behind me, and my family took 
notice of it that the noise seemed to be beliind them.' * 

* Reverend M. Plaat. 



212 HISTORY OF NEWBUny. 

This was indood a plionomonon, wliich the observer could not 
explain, and on which the compiler does not feel competent to make 
any comments. 

' Srpf ember I'Sth, about half past five an eai-thquakc' * 

Tliis year, the excitement on the subject of religion, Avhidi had 
for some time prevailed over a large part of New England, was 
evidently, in this region, on the increase. Every church, and every 
parish, was more or less affected, and in some places to a degree, 
of which the present generation can have but a faint idea. In a 
letter to doctor Bearcroft, of March second, 1742, reverend Mr. 
Plant thus writes. ' I do not know but before these six months to 
come most of my hearers will leave me for all the country near me 
is taken with this new scheme (as they call it.) Within one month 
fifty-three have been taken into communion in one dissenting meet- 
ing house. Some of them belonged to another meeting hou.se, and 
the dissenting teacher not approving of said scheme they forsook 
him to [attend] at the other meeting house.' In another letter, of 
July twenty-third, he says, 'in my last to you I hinted to you some- 
thing of the commotion that the new scheme of nielhodism made 
amongst ys. I was under a great surprize at the time, for I tliought 
that all my people would be withdrawn from church, for they began 
to flock after the itinerants and told me in a fnll body tliat if they 
did not get good by them it was because they had bad hearts, but 
how strangi'ly is the scene changed.' 

In the Boston Evening Post, of ]\Iay third, is an anonymous 
article, charging 'the reverend N. Rogers of Ipswich, iNIr. Daniel 
Rogers and ]Mi\ Buel, candidates for the ministry with having come 
inio Newbury formed a party and taken possession of Mr. Lowell's 
meeting house without his knowledge, or asking leave of the pro- 
prietors of the house, or the consent of the church or congregation 
and so forth and that an attempt of the like factious nature was 
made upon the reverend i\Ii-. Toppan's meeting house, but Mr. 
Toppan being present the party was repulsed,' and so forth. 

This article caused a reply from Mr. Jolni Brown, dated May 
seventh, denying the ti'uth of part of the charges, and then anoliicr 
article, of !May Iwcniy-second, signed J. Lowell, aiiirming the truth 
of the tlrst statements. This caused another reply from Mr. Brown, 
in the Boston Gazette, dated Jun(> twenty-ninlli, and two other 
articles, signed Henry Rolfe, Abraham Titconil), and Humphrey 
Richards. To these papers I refer the curious reader for further 
information, merely observing, that I have not the space to give 
even the title pages of the sermons, dialogues, tracts, and so forth, 
on religions subjects, with which the neiglUjoriiood was filled. 

' Since my last of July 1742,' says ^h. I'lant, February fit'tcenth, 
1743, ' a new meeting house was built by the new schemers.' This 
must have been the meeting-house in High street, just below Fede- 
ral street, where the presbyterian society tirst worshiped. 

* Reverend M. l^laiit. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 213 



1 743. 

May \6th. ' Town chose a committee to consult about building 
a work house, and to build a j)owder iiouse.' 

' August lOtli, about live P. M. a pretty loud sliock of the cailli- 
qviake.' * 

' About the twenty-sixth of June the worms came upon the corn 
and eat the grass in ye low ground, and did niucii damage. Many 
people saved their corn by ditcliing. They lasted about eight or 
ten days and went away as strangely as they came.' f 

' Odoberlolh. An exceeding high tide, which did much damage.'f 

December 13th. Town voted to sell all the old law books be- 
longing to the town, to the highest bidder. Also to build a gaol 
and a work house. 

In this year, a large number of the members of the churches, 
under the pastoral care of the reverend Mr. Lowell and the reverend 
Mr. Toppan, separated from tiiem, and, soon after, formed another 
church, after having had a long controversy, both oral and wi-itten, 
with their respective pastors, without coming on either side to any 
satisfactory result. Having a transcript of all the letters to and from 
the reverend Mr. Toppan, I copy the folloA\ing as a specimen. 

' The reverend Mr. Toppan's conduct in this remarkalile day of divine visita- 
tion having occasioned sreat uneasiness in his church and parish, divers, who 
were asgrieved tliereat from time to time went to discourse him on divers mat- 
ters, till at lenath he declared he would talk no more with them and that if any 
were uneasy they should write to him and he would answer them by writing, 
whereupon divers who were aggrieved met together and wrote a letter to him, 
containing the matters of their grievances, which Mr. Toppan hearing of sent 
the following letter. 

'Newbury, June 10th, 1743. 
' To Charles Pierce esquire in Newbur)'. 
'Sir, 
' I have been informed that some yt are called schemers, by others new 
lisht men (for Satan being now especially transformed into an angel of liglit 
hath transformed his followers into his likeness in regard of the new light they 
pretend unio) have drawn up some articles against me, some respectinii my 
doctrine, taught in publick. some respecting my belief in several articles of 
religion, and some respectinff my practices and I have been told you have the 
original by you. I have long desired to see it, but coukl never yet obtain 
it. This is therefore to desire of you to send me the original, or a copy of it 
attested, for I am obliged to go to Vork superior court ye next week and would 
carry it with me to shew to the superior judses for their judgment upon the 
whole as to my doctrines whether they be right or no, for which I purpose to 
carry my sermons reflected upon, as to my principles whether they be right or 
no, (though in the paper before mentioned I believe there are many things false, 
for I never yet knew a schemer that would not lie.) As to my practices whether 
right or no, I shall leave them to judire and determine. I purpose to carry with 
me a copy of what I now send to you to shew it to them ; if you answer not my 
request in sending me the original or an attested copy. 

Sir, I am yours to servo in what I may, 

Christopher Toppan.' 

* M. Plant. t Stephen Jaqucs. 



214 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1 744. 



Febnmrij 7th. The town voted to give the county a piece of 
liuul, on which to build a prison and prison keeper's house, wliich 
were tliis year built in Federal street. 

' Mit// V-ith, ill tile morning, and on May sixteentli at a quarter 
past eleven A. M. there was an earthquake.' 

June 2d. War was proclaimed at Boston, by England against 
France. 

' J/mc SI. Sabbath a quarter past ten we had a terrible shock of 
tlic earthquake. It made the earlh so shake that it made myself 
and many others run out of the church.' * 

June 2Sih. Public fast, and in the evening an earthquake.* 

This summer, the society of friends in Newbury, erected a meet- 
ing-house in what is now called Belleville. It is thirty-five feet in 
length, and twenty-five in breadth, and is now used as a vestry for 
the congregational society there, the friends having erected a new 
meeting-house, near Turkey hill. 

Jiil/j 2Xtli. The aggrieved brethren of the first church, having 
been unable to come to any satisfactory result, in their controversy 
with Mr. Toppan, an ex parte council of eight chuix-hes was this 
day held in Newbury, to examine the charges against him, which 
were nine in number, and which, having been written June seventh, 
had been presented to Mr. T. June tenth, 17-13. The council, in 
their report, justify the aggrieved brethren, and condemn Mr. Top- 
pan, and advise the aggrieved brethren ' to hearken to any reason- 
able method, whereby your final separation from the church and 
parish may be prevented,' and conclude by saying, that ' however 
we utterly disapprove of unnecessary separations as partaking of 
great guilt and accompanied with great scandal, yet looking upon 
your circumstances as extraordinary and deplorable we cannot think 
you blameworthy, if with good advice you seek more wholesome 
food for your souls and put yourselves under the watch of a shep- 
herd, in whom you can confide.' 

ylug'ust 3lst. This day, another ex parte council met in New- 
bury, called by the friends of Mr. Toppan, the charges against 
whom they examined, and in their result, acquit him of nearly all 
the allegations contained in them, and censure the aggineved breth- 
ren for their ' disorderly walking and advise them to retiu-n to the 
bosom of the church and to the pastoral can; of him, who has been 
so faithful and useful a pastor over you for near filly years,' and so 
forth. 

November 1th. Captain Donahew sailed from Newbury, in a 
small privateer, belonging to Boston, with sixty men, took a sloop 
with live stock eight days after he sailed, and in three days after, at 
Newfoundland, took a French ship with lhre(; thousand quintals of 
fish, and so forth. 

* M. Plant. 



HISTORY OF NE\yBURY. 215 



1745 



111 the reverend Thomas Smith".-i journal, I find the following. 

' February 2d. Great talk about Whitetield's preaching, and the 
fleet to cape Breton.' These two subjects, war and religion, were 
at this time in every body's mouth. The enthusiasm in favor of 
the expedition against Louisburg was extraordinary, and almost 
unanimous, whilst on the subject of the rehgious tenets and prac- 
tices of Whitefield and his adherents, the community was divided, 
and almost every man was either an ardent advocate, or a decided 
opponent. The consequence of this state of things, was divisions 
and contentions in all the churches, and many years elapsed before 
the storm became a calm. In the midst of this excitement, news 
came that Louisburg had been taken by the New England troops, 
June sixteenth. In the reduction of this place, which was one of 
the most remarlvable events in the history of North America, a large 
number of Newbury soldiers were engaged. Among the most 
noted of these, was major Moses Tilcomb. Of him Hutchinson 
thus speaks. ' JMajor Tilcomb's readiness to engage in the most 
hazardous part of the service, was acknowledged and applauded. 
He survived the siege, was colonel of a regiment when general 
Johnson was attacked by Dieskau, and there lost his life in the 
service of his country. Of the five fascine batteries that were 
erected in the reduction of Louisburg, the last, which was erected 
the twentieth of May and called Titcomb's battery, having five 
forty-two pounders, did as great execution as any.' Among the 
natives of Newbury, wlio were engaged in that memorable siege, 
was the reverend Samuel Moody, of York, who went as chaplain, 
and so confident was he of success, that he took with him a hatchet, 
to cut the images in the catholic churches. Moses Coffin, afler\vard 
of Epping, was also there, and officiated in the double capacity of 
drummer and chaplain, a ' drum-ecclesiastic' On returning to the 
camp after one engagement, he found a bullet had passed nearly 
through a small pocket bible, which he always carried with him, 
and which in this case was the means of saving his life. This 
incident I give on the authority of the honorable William Plumer, 
senior, of Epping, New Hampshire. 

November 10/h. Reverend John Tucker was settled as colleague 
with the reverend doctor Toppan. Of the difficulties which 
preceded, attended, and followed his settlement, something will be 
said hereafter. 

The difficulties still continuing, and rather increasing, in the first 
church and parish, between the reverend Mr. Toppan and his 
people, notwithstanding all the attempts that had been made to 
satisfy l)oth parties, the parish voted, I\iay eleventh, to concur with 
the church in setting ' apart a day to be kept by solemn prayer and 
fasting to seek to heaven for a blessing on our endeavours in calling 
a pious and orthodox man to assist in the ministry.' 



21Q HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

^Mv mh. ^tr. John Tucker was called to the work of the 
mint% by he fost church and parish in Newbury,' wh--h aftc. 
b land anxious deliberation, he accepted, and was ordanicd No- 
vember twentieth. This, however, was not eflfected without gi-ea 
op^i ion, he maiorilY ia the parish in his favor being twelve, and 
SE the church being two. The minority sent in to the ordaining 
coundl a lon<. but unavailing protest against his ordnia.ion. On 
DecSer twentieth, they sent a letter to the hrst chmx-h, which 
concludes in these words. 

and prayer of your brethrerr, and ^o^forth^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ,wenty-two others. 

Difficulties somewhat similar also ~^^l Jl^^^^^^tSh 
nnri^^h under the pastoral care ot the reverend John i.owUl, ^^nlcn 
Sedn^ie withdrawal of 'a considerable number d persons 
from the society. This induced the church, on May fii^t, 1/4.J, to 
voT' to keq th eleventh of May as a day of fasting and prayer 
^pon this sad occasion.' * From their chm-ch records I extract the 

^"°^! May "eleventh, 1743, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer 
in nSiai ce o the vot^ above. The same day the separatists held 
a pSc assembly in Mr. John Brown's bai-n in Mi". Toppan's parish 

"Srb^:^e™.S^^-d in the field neariy opposite to 
Mr Silas Noyes's house. Long and able letters to and from the 
reyeied John Lowell, of the following dates, October tlmty-fir.s , , 
Novetiiber first, November fourth, December sixteenth, l'^^^> «^>^l 
Janumy third, 1744, are now on fUe among the state records, Boston. 



1746. 



r T 1 This <lnv nineteen of the pt-rsons, who, on the 

twS;ro? heS^n:!:;^!., had lormaHy wilhdrawn from the first 
Sh, fonned the presbyterian cliurch. In their petition to the 
rrniipvil court. are these words : , i i • . 

^ After tWs on the third of January 1746 ^ye embodyed into a 
chu^ and entered into a covenant, whereof we S^^f^f^ 
notice by letter under our liands ot the twenty-sec^nc oU^-^^J,'^^ 
month Jid then proceeded to give the reverend Mr. Jonathan Pai- 
sons a call to the ministerial oflice,' and so lorth. 



* Thiiil church records. 



HISTORY OF NEWFUIlt'. 217 

March 2Sth. The separate brclluen, thirty-eight in number, who 
had for nearly three years withdrawn from the communion of the 
third church, petitioned for a dismission and recommendation to the 
presbyterian church. This tlie church refused to gi-ant. On April 
sixth, a committee of the 'separatists' sent a petition to the church, 
commencing thus, ' reverend and beloved in those points of Chris- 
tianity wherein we can agree,' desiring the church to t'avor them with 
'the reasons for not granting their request.'* This was of no 
avail, and they were finally admitted to the new church without a 
recommendation. 

The following is the covenant of the presbyterian church. 

'We the subscribing brethren, who were members of the first church iu 
Newbury, and have thought it our duty to withdraw therefrom, do also look 
upon it our duty to enter into a church estate ; specially as we apprehend this 
may be for the glory of God, and the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom^ as 
well as for our own mutual edification and comfort. 

' We do therefore, as we trust, in the fear of God, mutually covenant and agree 
to walk together as a church of Christ according to the rules and order of the 
gospel. 

' In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this third 
day of January, 1746. 

CinRi.Ks PiEECE, Thomas Pike, 

Moses Bk.idsteeet, Daniel Wells, 

Edward Presbuky, Joseph Hidden, 

John Brown. Nathamel Atkinson, junior, 

Richard Hall, Jonathan Plum.iiee, 

Benjamin Knight, Daniel Goodwin, 

William Brown, Silvanus Plumer, 

Benjamin Pierce, Samuel Hall, 

Daniel Noves, Cutting Pettingell.' 

M.UOB Goodwin, 

January l^th. The parish of Byfield voted to build a new 
meeting-house, fifty-six feet long and forty-five feet wide, which 
was completed the next summer. 

March 6th. First parish voted five hundred pounds, old tenor, to 
reverend John Tucker, to build a house. 

' Ang-iist 'Id, just before sunrise, there was a considerable loud 
and long earthquake.' f 

' August 21st and 22d, there was a heavy frost.' f 

September 10th. A fleet of nearly forty ships of war, besides 
transports, bringing between three and four thousand troops, with 
veteran officers, and all kinds of military stores, under the command 
of the duke d'Anville, arrived from France, in order to retake 
Louisburg. This attempt, however, in consequence of a violent 
storm, on September first, and a variety of remarkable incidents, 
was rendered entirely abortive, to the great joy of the people of 
New England. 

' October 11th. Friday about nine A. M. it began to snow and 
continued snowing until three P. M. the next day. I and my wife 
went to church in the sleigh and it was very good sleighing, the 
snow being two feet upon the level and lasted four days.' f 

♦ Third church records. t M. Plant, 

28 



2ly lILSTOUy UK ^K\ViiL'KV. 



1747. 

'■ Jamiarii ()/h, about mJdiiiglit llierc was an eailli(|iuikr.' * 

' Ft'bruari/ ^^Ih. 'J'lirco deer went tlivougli Sle|)hcn Moi^e't; land 

in the wq^^X parisli oi' Newbury and disappeared in Amesbnry.'f 
' December 'id, at lialf past four P. M. and on December sixth at 

four P. M. there was an earthquake.* 

1748. 

March Sih. Tlie town granted to John Crocker, oii his petition, 
liberty to erect a rope walk 'along by the windmill and to improve 
said place for ten years for making of ropes and for no other use.' \ 

Note. Tlie wind mill stood near where the south brick school house now stands 
by Fro» pond, nnd was erected in 1703. This rope walk was probably the tirsl which 
was estaljlished in Newbury, and stood on the margin of the pond. 

^ March 11///, about a (piarter before seven A. M. there was an 
earthquake.' * 

This year no rain fell from the last of May till August first. 

October 1th. Peace was established between England and 
Franco, at Aix la Chapelle. By this treaty, Louisburg was restored 
to the French. 

November 5th. Charles Pierce and one hundred and twenty-five 
others, petitioned the general court to be freed from paying taxes to 
the first and thh-d parishes. 

November 10th. Governor Shirley, having received the petition, 
says, among other things, ' I am always averse to any thing grievous 
upon any people on account of their religious sentiments. 1 desire 
you would once take this repeated application of the petitioners into 
your serious consideration.' The petition was not granted. 



1 749. 

March Ath. Mr. Joseph Coflin was chosen town clerk. 

June 1st. One liundred and seventy-nine jjersons belonging to 
Mr. Parsons's society, petitioned the general court to be freed from 
paying taxes to the first and tliird ))arishes. August eleventh, hav- 
ing heard the answers of the first and third parishes, they dismissed 
the petition nem. con. 

This summer there was a very severe drought. This, attended 
as it was with swarms of caterpillars, and other devouring insects, 
caused great distress in New England. ' Many brooks and springs 
were dried up.' Not more than a tenth of the usual crop of hay 
was cut, and much was imported from Pennsylvania and England. 
' I mowed,' says Richard Kelly, ' several days and could not cut 

* M. Plant. t S. Morse's manuscripts. } Town records. 



IIISTOKY or NEWBURY. ^19 

nunc ihan two liniulrcd poniulr; a day, aiul ppopir were fain to kill 
aljuiidaiicc" of cattk; bt'oaus(! they conld not get liay to winter llieni.' 

October 291/1. Reverend Thomas Barnard resigned his pastoral 
olfice, in the second ehureh and parish. 

The winter oi' 1749-50 was a very severe one. Cattle had to be 
browsed in the woods. 

1730. 

Januarij YHIh. Town authorized Daniel Farnham, esquire, to 
prefer a petition to the general court, for a lottery, to build a bridge 
over the river Parker.' * 

April \st. Province bills, first issued in 1702, ceased to pass. 
This currency was called ' old tenor.' In 1748, there were three 
kinds of bills : old tenor, which passed at seven and a half for one ; 
that is, seven shillings and sixpence in bills, was equal to one 
shilling lawful ; middle, or three fold tenor, and new tenor. The 
redemption of the old tenor bills, occasioned the celebrated Joseph 
Greene to WT:ite a poem, entitled, ' a mournful lamentation for the 
sad and deplorable deatli of Mr. Old Tenor, a native of New Eng- 
land, who after a long confinement by a deep and mortal wound, 
which he received about twelve months before, expired on the thir- 
ty-first of March 1750.' 

' The winter of 1750-51 was remarkably mild.' 

Majj'20t,fi. ' The third church voted nemine contradicente that 
the scriptures be read in publick llie Lord's day.' | 



1751. 

Fcbruari/ '2()lh. Reverend Moses Hale ordained pastor of the 
second church and parish. 

Marcli 12th. Several citizens of the town petitioned, that 'several 
ways and landing places might be confirmed to the town.' This 
the proprietors' committee opposed, declaring that the town had no 
power to act in the afl'air. ITere commenced a contest between the 
town and the proprietors, which was finally settled in favor of the 
latter, in 1826. 

March 22d, 1751. Third parish ' voted to choose one or more 
parsons to take care of the boyes that plays at meeting.' J 

' 1745, October 2Slk. Ephraim Lunt was chosen,' in the first 
parish, 'to set in the gallery lo and take special care that ye l)oys do 
not play in service time and correct those boys that do not give due 
attention,' and so forth. 

17 5 2. 

^ March 21 th. Town voted to build for the use of the town a 
house near the upper end of Plum island.'* 

* Town records. t Cliurch records. } Third parish records. 



220 HISTORY OF XESVBriiV. 

This winter was a very cold one. 

This year the British parliament made an alteration in the style. 
Fronn 'Job Shepherd's aliuanaclc," published in Newport, by James 
Franklin, I make the following extract. 

' Kind reader, 

' You have now siu-h a year as you never saw before, nor ever will see hero- 
after. The king and parliament have thought proper to enact that the month of 
September 1752 shall contain but nineteen days so that we are not to have two 
beginnings to our years, but the first of ,Ianuary is to be the first d,ay and first 
month of the year 1752. Eleven days are talien from September and begin one 
Tuesday, two Wednesday and fourteen Thursday. Be not much astonished, 
nor look with concern, dear reader, at such a deduction of days, nor regret as 
for the loss of so much time, but take this for your consolation that your 
e.\pences will appear lighter and your mind be more at ease. And what an 
indulgence is here for those, who love their pillows, to he down in peace on the 
second of this month and not perhaps awake, or be disturbed till the fourteenth 
in the morning. Now, reader, since "t is likely you may never have such another 
year, nor such another almanack. I would advise you to improve the one for 
your own sake, and recommend the other for the sake of your friend. 

Poor Job.' 

'■ Blaij 2Qth. Proprietors lease to Jonathan Pearson for twelve 
years all the stream of water from Rowley line to Peter Cheney's 
grant, (which was made fifteenth February 1687) on condition he 
would grind for Newbury before he would for other towns.' 

'■ Ma/i 1th, 1752. The members of the second church in 
Newbury met to deal with our brother Ricliard Bavtlet for the 
following reasons. 

'First, oiu' said brother refuses communion with the church for 
no other reason but because the pastor wears a wigg, and because 
the church justifies him in it, setting up his own opinion in oppo- 
sition to the church, contrary to that humility, which becomes a 
christian. 

' Second, and farther in an unchristian manner he censures and 
condemns both pastor and cliurch as anti-christian on the aforesaid 
account and he sticks not from time to time to assert with the great- 
est assurance that all who wear wiggs, unless they repent of that 
particular sin before they die will certainly be damned, which we 
juda;e to be a piece of uncharitable and sinful rashness.' 

This opposition to wigs was not peculiar to Mr. Bartlet, though 
he was probably one of the last, who took so decided a stand 
against that article of dress. From their first introduction in New 
England, till the tyranny of fashion had sanctioned their almost uni- 
versal use, the wearing of wigs had been violently opposed by our 
fathers, who considered the manner of wearing the hair, as a subject 
of grave and serious consequence. In many places in judge Sewall's 
diary, he alludes to this subject. I make a few extracts. 

' 1685, September I5th. Three admitted to the church, two wore 
periwigs.' 

'1696. Mr. Sims told me of the assaults he had made on peri- 
wigs, seemed to be in good sober sadness.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 221 

' 1697. Mr. Noyes of Salem wrote a treatise on periwigs,' and 
so forth. 

' 1704, January. Walley appears in his wig having cut off his 
own hair.' 

' 1708, Aiig^ust 20th. Mx. Cheever died. The welfare of .the 
province was much upon his heEirt. He abominated periwigs.^ 

The venerable John Elliot, the apostle to the Indians, believed 
that the sufierings endured by the people of Massachusetts in Phil- 
ip's war, were inflicted on them as a judgment from heaven for 
wearing wigs ! 

Even the members of the society of friends, were troubled with 
the wdg question. From the minutes of the monthly meeting, I 
make the following extracts. 

' 1721, November 16th. At this meeting we received an account 
from ye quarterly meeting, in which we are desired to consider the 
wearing of wigges and give in our judgment at the next quarterly 
meeting to be held at Salem.' 

' 1721, December 21st. Hampton. The matter above mentioned 
consarning ye wearing of wigges was discoursed and it was con- 
cluded by "this meeting i/t ye wearing of extravegent superjlues 
tvigges is altogether contrary to truth.^ 



1753. 

' March 13tk. Town gi-anted the petition of Nathan Hale and 
others about a fire engine.' 

' 3Iay 23d. Town granted liberty to Samuel Titcomb and John 
Harris to build a substantial engine to weigh hay to stand where 
the old engine stood, near the head of Fish street.' 



1754. 

' Marcli 12th. Town voted to build a powder house.' 
' September 19th. The town taking into consideration the bill 
entitled an act for granting to his majesty an excise upon wines 
and spirits distilled and sold by retail or consumed in this province, 
voted that they are of opinion that that part of said bill, which 
relates to the consumption of distilled spirits in private families 
(which was referred to the consideration of the towns) is an infringe- 
ment on the natural rights of Englishm.en and ought not to pass 
into a law,' and so forth. 



1755. 

^ January 21st. Town voted, first, that the town will act on an 
act lately made relating to an excise on the private consumption of 
distilled spirits, wines, lemons, limes and oranges. 



222 HISTUKY OP NEWBURY. 

' Second, voted tliat tlic pclitioners namely captain Miehael Dal- 
ton and others and any other gentlemen, who are willing to join 
them should on their own cost and charge apply home in order to 
prevent said acts oljtaining tlie royal assent.' 

'jliflT/ 22d. Reverend John Lowell preached a sermon from 
Deuteronomy 20 : 4 at Newbury at the desire and in the audience 
of colonel Moses Titeonib and many others enlisted with him in 
an expedition against tiie French,' at C'rown point, where he was 
slain, September eighth. 'la the battle of lake George he com- 
manded his regiment on the extreme right wing of general Jolni- 
son's line. He got behind a large pine tree about one rod distant 
from the end of the breast work, where he could stand up and 
command his men, who were lying Hat on the ground, and where 
he could have a better opportunity to use his own piece. Here he 
was insensibly Hanked by a party of Indians, who crept around a 
large pine log, across a swamp about eighty yards distant, and shot 
him. Colonel Titcomb and lieutenant JBaron stood behind llie 
same tree and both fell at th<^ same fire. This was about four 
o'clock in the afternoon of Monday the eighth of September 1755.' 

The preceding particulars I give on the authority of Mr. Henry 
Stevens, junior. In the preface to a funeral sermon preached on 
the occasion, by the reverend John Lowell, from Joshua 1 : 2, he 
says, ' being more especially called to take notice of colonel Tit- 
comb's deatlt, and in a religious way publickly to improve it, as he 
was one of the church ttnder my pastoral care, and his family and 
relations are with us: and as many had then- friends gone from my 
parish under him, the following sermon in the height of our pas- 
sionate resentment of the afleeling providence, I hastily composed 
and preached immediately after the news of it ; as what I then 
thought seasonable.' 

By a census taken this year, Newbury had fifty slaves, negroes, 
and Indians; thu'ty-four males, and sixteen females. 

November \st. A great and destructive earlhqvtake destroyed 
Lisbon. 

^ November iSth, about four o'clock A. M. was the jiiijstj4<->luii.t 
earthquake ever know n in No rth America. It continued aljout 
four aiid a half miliufesi In Boston, about one hundred chimneys 
were leveled with the roofs of the houses and about fifteen hundred, 
shattered and thrown down in part. There was a shock every day 
till the twenly-seconil.' 

' December 19//;. There were two or three shocks about ten P. M.' * 



1756. 

' March 11///. About tln-ee P. M. a small shock of earthquake.' 
April l(i/A. A great gale of wind commenced, which lasted 
three and a half days. SLvteen vessels were lost, f 

* Ricliard Kelly. t Caleb Greealeaf's almanacs. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 223 

From ]\I;iy eiglilceiith till June nineteenth there was no rain. 

The meefing-honse noAV standing in Federal street was this year 
erected. From almanacs Icept by iMi-. Caleb Grecnleaf, I make 
the foUowina: extracts. 

' Jnlij 5lh. We began to raise our meeting house and finished it 
the seventh, and not one oath heard and nobody hmt.' The house 
is one hundred feet long, by sixty broad. 

' On the seventh the reverend John Morehead of Boston preached 
the fu-sl sermon in it from 2 Chronicles 7: 12. The first sermon 
preached m our new meeting house was on August fifteenth. The 
text was tlie whole of the one hundred and twenty-second psalm.' 

' August 19th and 20lh, we ptiiied dowm our old meeting house.' 

This house, as has been observed, stood on the easterly side of 
High, formerly Norfolk street, a few rods south of Federal street. 
From a letter to doctor Bearcroft, wTitten February fifteenth, 1743, 
by the reverend M. Plant, it appears that it was erected in 1742! 
He says, 'smce my last of July twenty-thu-d 1742 a new house was 
built by the people called the new schemers and their dissenting 
teacher received fifty-three into their communion in one day of 
those, who are of their way of thinidng.' The 'dissenting teacher' 
above mentioned, was the reverend Josepii Adams, who was after- 
w-ard settled in Newington, New Hampshire. 

October 2d. The number of quakers in Newbm-y, was, at this 
time, twenty-five men.* 

' November 16i/i, at ten minutes before four A. M. there was an 
earthquake.' A remarkably open winter.f 

1757. 

Janmm/ lolli. The town granted the petition of four jiersons, to 
build a grist and saw mill at Pine island. 

'/«/// Sth, at twenty minutes past two P. M. there was a small 
earthquake.' 

175S. 

This year, anotlier difficulty occurred in the second parish. As 
the meeting-house, in consequence of the setting oft' of the fourth 
parish, in 1729, was no longer in a central place, and was very 
much dilapidated, the parish had voted, November thirtieth, 1756, 
to rebuild it at the ' southeriy end ' of Hanover street. In February 
and June, nineteen persons petitioned the general court to be set off 
from the second to the fourth parish, ' on account of distance, bad- 
ness of the road, badness of the meeting house, and on account of 
a vote to remove the meeting house half a mile farther east.' They 
conclude a long petition in the following figurafive strain. 

' Thus your excelloncy and honors may justly see that we are afloat in an 
ocean of difficulty, and must unavoidably without your e.\cellency and honor's 

* Robert Adams's manuscripts. t Reverend Peter Coffin's almanacs. 



224 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

interposition be wafted from our much desired church and congregation into 
the bosom of our mother church, into which nothing but a long and tedious 
quarrel, a shattered, doleful and uncomfortable house to worship oar divine 
master in, together with a total despair of being extricated out of our misery, 
would bring us.' 

May 23i:/. A committee was chosen by the town, ' to sell the 
town's part of the prison house and land in Newbury, and to buy 
or build a convenient house for the poor.' 

The successes of the French, down to nearly the close of 1757, 
had very much depressed and dispirited the colonies; but they 
soon began to feel the effect of the energetic measures of the im- 
mortal Pitt, who, in the autumn of 1757, became prime minister of 
Great Britain, the success or defeat of whose arms, especially in 
North America, excited the deepest interest. July twenty-sixth, 
Louisburg was taken. August twenty-seventh, fort Frontenac 
surrendered, and, on November twenty-fifth, fort Du Quesne, after- 
ward called fort Pitt, now Pittsburg, was wTCSted from the French. 
In all these engagements, the New England people contributed their 
full proportion ; New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts 
furnishing fifteen thousand troops, of whom a large proportion went 
from Newbury. 

September lAth. There was a public thanksgiving, on account 
of the reduction of cape Breton. 

The bridge over the river Parker was erected this year. 



1 759. 

This year, the British arms were triumphant in all their engage- 
ments in North America. July twenty-fourth, Niagara was taken, 
and on the twenty-seventh, Ticonderoga, and when the news arrived 
in Massachusetts, that, on September thirteenth, the army under 
general Wolfe was victorious, on the plains of Abraham, and that, 
on the eighteenth of the same month, Quebec had surrendered, the 
joy and enthusiasm of the people seemed to know no bounds. 

The citizens of Newbiu-y had a day of rejoicing. An ox was 
split and broiled on a huge gridiron, at the west end of the reverend 
INIr. Lowell's ineeiing-house. Songs, commeinorativc of the victo- 
ries of this year, were everywhere sung. Every stanza of one 
of the songs, ended with the words, ' the year fifty-nine. So, dea- 
con Benjamin Colinan, aged ninety-two, now living, [December 
twenty-third, 184-1,] informs me, who saw the ox broiled, and re- 
members the following lines of the song, which was then sung. 

' De la C — had a squadron so nimble and light, 
On meetins: Boscaiven like a Frenchman took fright; 
But running too fast on some mighty design, 
He lost both his legs in the year Jifty-nine. 

' With true British valour we broke every line. 
And conquered Quebec in the year fifty -nine.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBUKY. 225 

March i'ith. The town granted tlu- pciiiioii of James Knight 
and nine others, 'to erect another engine to weigh hay near the head 
ol" iMuzzey's lane,' now Marlborough street. 

May 2dl/i. The second parish commenced tearing down their 
old meeting-house, and liiis year raised their new meeting-house, 
which was fifty-four feet long and forty-four broad. 

June 2Sth. ' A public fast on account of the expedition to 
Canada.' 

Jul// 3t/i. ' At a quarter past tAVO there was an earth([uaia'.' 

Aug-ust. The houses of Anthony Gwynn and IMr. Somerby, of 
Newbury, and IMi". Greenleaf, of Newbmy new town, were struck 
with lightning. 

September lOfh. ' Mr. Samuel Pettingell fell from the steeple of 
the reverend IVIr. Parson's meeting house, (which was this year 
erected) and was killed instantly.' * 

October '2bth. ' Public thanksgiving on account of the surrender 
of Quebec' 

In November of this year, the small-pox made its apjiearance on 
' the plains,' so called, and was for some time called the eruptive 
fever. 

Some lime tiiis year, Mr. Enoch Noyes, a self-taught mechanic^ 
commenced, without instruction, making horn buttons and coarse 
combs, of various kinds, and continued the business till 1778, whi-n 
he employed William Cleland, a deserter from Burgoyne's army, 
a comb-maker by profession, and a sluUful workman. This was 
the commencement of the comb-making business in Newbury, and 
various other places. 

1 760. 

' February 2d, at three o'clock A. M. there was an earthquake at 
Newbury.' 

3Iay 20///. The town acted on the petition of doctor Nathan 
Hale, and others, and voted that they would not repair or remove 
the town house, and, on May twenty-sixth, ' voted not to build a 
new town house.' 

Pine island grist and saw mill erected this year. 

May 21sf. Twenty-two members of the ' old church,' namely, 
queen Ann's chapel, in consequence of the discontinuance ol pub- 
lie worsiiip in that building three sabbatlis in every month, uiiiletl 
with several others, in an agreement to build a new meeting-house, 
and again become congregationalists, for the same reason that some 
of their ancestors became episcopalians, namely, distance from the 
meeting-house, and petitioned the general court to form a new parish. 

In July, the small-pox ee;u5ed in Newbury. During its conliim- 
anee, the selectmen fenci^d in tiie infected district, from the scliool- 
house to Emery's hill, and sent to Boston for physicians and nurses, 

* Mr. Caleb Greenlcaf's almanacs. 

29 



226 HISTORY OF >;E\VBrRY. 

who, as the custom then was, greatly aggravated the disease, by 
shutting up the sick in small and heated rooms. About eighty per- 
sons had the disorder, of whom thirty-sbc, all adults but two, died. 

September St/i. Montreal was taken by the English, as also 
Detroit and Mackinaw. 

October '2'dtli. There was a 'public thanksgiving on account of 
the entire reduction of Canada.' 



1 76 1. 

February 6t.h. Second and third parishes opposed the formation 
of a new parish at ' the plains.' 

March 10th. ' Town chose a committee to use their best endeav- 
ours to remove the inferior court held in Salem to Ipswich, and one 
of the other courts from Ipswich to Newbury inasmuch as they pay 
a greater tax to the province charges than any other town in ye 
province save Boston.' * 

March 10th. A ferry was granted from Newbury to Salisbury, 
' about the middle of Bartlet's cove.' 

March 12th, at twenty minutes past two, A. M., there was an 
earthquake. ' It was divided,' says one writer, ' into two shakes 
with a pause between.' 

April dth. The fifth parish was incorporated. The parishioners 
having held a meeting in queen Ann's chapel, bishop Bass wrote 
their committee the following letter. 

'Jtine 9th,i7Gi. 
' Gentlemen, 
' I am informed that you with a number of people whose committee I hear 
you are, broke into the old ehuich the other day- I shall be very irlad to find 
that I am misinformed, for if it be really so I think you have used me in a very 
imcivil and un^entlemanlike manner, and without any provocation and not a 
little exposed yojrselves. If yon had business to transact, or any grave matters 
to talk over near the church and it was necessary or convenient that yon should 
go into the church for that purpose I don't know of any body that would have 
been a£;ainst it, but certainly you ought to have done it in an orderly manner 
by asking leave of me, who am the proper guardian of that church. 

Edwahd Bass.' 

September Slh. The committee addressed the members of the 
old chtirch, ' and after stating the incorporation of the pai-ish, and 
that they had no convenient house for the worship of God at pres- 
ent,' conclude thus : ' we therefore as neighbours and friends desire 
your consent to improve the said church in the vacancy of Mr. 
Bass not attending there until we are accommodated with a new 
house. We are,' and so fortii. 

September 9th. The preceding request was granted by the pro- 
prietors of the ' old church.' 

May. A tire engine, the second in Newbury, was imported from 

* Town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 227 

London this month, by Michael Dalton, esquire, and others,* and 
a fire company of twenty-lour men I'ormed. 

November 1st, between eight and nine P. M. there was an earth- 
quake. 

This summer there was a great drought. 



1762. 

March 2d. A committee was appointed in Byfield parish, to 
appoint a grammar-school master, according to the will ol governor 
Dummer, and the academy was erected. 

March. The county appropriated two hundred pounds, toward 
defraying the expense of building a court house, ' for the use of 
the county and town,' but in consequence of the refusal of the 
town, March t\venty-ninth, to unite with the county, in the erection 
of such a building, ' the water side people ' generously gave the 
money to build the court house, purchased, July seventh, eleven 
and a quarter rods of land, at the comer of Essex street, where the 
museum now stands, of Joseph (Jlement, shipwright, for sixty- 
nine pounds. Said building, when erected, was to be used as a 
court and town house, ' and to no other use, intent or purpose 
^vhatsoever.' It was built this year. 

' July 2Sih. There was a day of fasting and prayer on account 
of the grievous drought,' and on August twelfth, a day of thanks- 
giving, on account of the capture of Havana by the English. 

This summer, the church in connection with the fifth parish was 
constituted, and the reverend Oliver Noble ordained their pastor, 
September first. 

1763. 

February 27th, Monday. Dummer academy opened. Mr. Sam- 
uel Moody, preceptor. The number of pupils on this day was 
twenty-eight, of whom, one only, deacon Benjamin Colman, born 
in 1752, is still living. Reverend Moses Parsons preached a sermon 
on the occasion, from Isaiah, 32 : 8. ' The liberal soul deviseth 
liberal things.' 

May 12th. Town 'voted to build a pest house in the great pas- 
ture thirty-eight feet long by twenty-eight wide and one story high.' * 

At the June session of the general court, two hundred and six of 
the ' water side people,' so called, sent in a peUtion, praying, that, 
for certain reasons, they might be set off from Newbury, and 
incorporated into a town by themselves. In this petition, signed, 
in behalf of themselves and the memorialists, by William Atkins, 
Daniel Farnham, Michael Dalton, Thomas Woodbridge, and Pa- 
trick Tracy, they enumerate a long list of grievances, as reasons 

♦ Town records. 



228 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

why iheir requesl should be granted. The substance of it is, that 
between them, ' llie merchants, ti'aders, and mechanics,' and the 
husbandmen, ' there is a certain jealousy as to their public atiairs 
and a high spirit of opposition,' and so forth. They complain of 
' the want of schools by the water side,' a want of tire engines, that 
' they are unreasonably taxed,' that ' there is no town treasurer,' 
that ' they do not have their due proportion of the selectmen,' and, 
finally, as an instance of the prevailing spirit of jealousy and oppo- 
sition, they say, that ' the town has not met, and we suppose will 
not meet, in the new court house lately built at the water side by 
the county and the people there — and that it is a sufficient objection 
with them to any measure proposed, or thing done, tho' ever so just 
and reasonable in its nature, that ye water side people proposed, or 
did it. Wherefore,' and so forth. 

This summer there was a severe drought. 

October 'ZQtIi. ' The town voted unanimously three only ex- 
cepted, that they were opposed to the division of the town. Also 
voted to build a house for the grammar school at or near the head 
of Fish street, and to build a small house behind the work house 
to keep crazed and distracted persons in.' 

December 2d. The first parish, on account of the supposed 
weakness of the turret of the old meeting-house, took down the 
bell, and hung it in a bell-house opposite the meeting-house' 



1 764. 

January 27lh. The town authorized the selectmen ' to provide a 
suitable gate at old town bridge and at Thorla's bridge and emjiloy 
one nran to keep each gate and also to fence across any road to 
prevent any person infected with the small pox coming into town,' 
and ' that no vessel shall come up above Hook's point till an exam- 
ination is made.' 

NEWBURYPORT. 

Jamtarjj 2StJi. That pai-t of Newbury now called Newbm-yport, 
was incorporated as a separate town. The act of incorporation 
commences thus. 

' An act for erecting part of the town of Newbury into a new town by the 
name of Newburyport. 

' Whereas the town of Newbury is very large, and the inhabitants of that 
part of it, who dwell by the water side there, as it is commonly called, are 
mostly merchants, traders and artilicers, and the inhabitants of the other part 
of the town are chielly husbandmen, by means whereof many dilliculties and 
disputes have arisen in managing their public affairs, 

Be it enacted,' and so forth. 

Here follows a description of the boundary lines of the town, 
which can be more easily understood by reference to the map. In 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 229 

regard lo size, it is the smallest town in the commonwealth, 
containing about six liundred and thirty acres, less than a mile 
square. Of its population, business, trade, advantages, and so 
forth, I shall speak more fully hereafter. I shall here only maice 
one quotation from that inimitable book, \\Titten by the late Timo- 
thy i)exter, entitled ' a pickle for the knowing ones.' With the 
exception of the punctuation, I give it verbatim and literatim. 

' fourder, frinds. I will tell the a tipe of mankind, what is that f 35 or 36 
j-ears agone A toun called Noubry, all won the Younited states, Noubry peopel 
kept together quiet till the Lamed groued strong, the farmers was 12 out of 
20. thay wanted to have the ofl'esers in the Contry, the Lamed in the see port 
wanted to have them there, geering ARose, groued warme, fite thay wood, in 
Law thay went the Jinrel Cort to be sot of tinely thay got there Eands Ans- 
wered, the see port caled Newburyport, 600 Eakers of Land out of 30000 Ba- 
kers of good land, so much for mad, people of Laming makes them mad. if 
thay had kept together thay wood have been the sekent toun in this state about 
half of Boston.' 

Among the conditions of the act of incorporation, were these : 
that Newbury should hereafter send but one representative to the 
general com't, and Newburyport one, and that ' the inhabitants of 
Newburyport shall from time to time amend and repair a certain 
bridge over the river Ai'tichoke which they will have occasion to 
pass and repass, althougli the same bridge is not included within 
the limits of Newburyport.' 

March loth. The ' committee chosen by the town of Newbury- 
port report that at least three large schools should be provided and 
maintained iia said town,' and conclude by saying : ' as the inhabi- 
tants have now the long desired privilege of being well served with 
schools, and, as they have heretofore been liberal in supporting pri- 
vate schools, we tliink it proper that the public schools should be 
honorably supported.' 

To the suggestion of the committee, tlie town gave a hearty re- 
sponse, and from tliat time to the present, the public schools have 
been 'honorably supported,' and it is Ijelieved by competent judges, 
that no town in the commonwealth has done more for the cause of 
education, in proportion to its means, than the town of Newbury- 
port. In the language of Timothy Dexter, 'the lamed groued 
strong.' 

Mcuf 2')fh. ' Newburyport voted to petition the general court to 
have their limits and bounds enlarged,' and also voted, two lumdrcd 
and sixty-two against fifty-four, ' not to petition to be reunited to the 
town of Newbury.' 

1765. 

On March twenty-second, an act, passed by tlie British pariiam(>n1, 
for raising a revenue by a general stamp duty through all tht; 
American colonies, received the royal assent, and was to take effect 
November first. It was called the stamp act, was everywliere 



230 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

disapproved, and in many places met with great opposition. On 
August twenty-sLxth, a mob entered the house of William Story, 
deputy register, and destroyed the records and files of the admiralty 
court, ransacked the house of Benjamin HuUowell, comptroller of 
the customs, and destroyed the house of lieutenant governor Hutch- 
inson,* much property, and many valuable books and papers. 

September 'SOtk. The town of Newburyport voted that ' the late 
act of parliament is very grievous, and that this town as much as 
in them lies endeavour the repeal of the same in all lawful ways, 
and that it is the desire of the town that no man in it will accept of 
the olflce of distributing the stampt papers, as he regards the dis- 
pleasure of the town and that they will deem the person accepting 
of such olfice an enemy to his country.' 

October 2ist. Each of the towns, Newbury and Newburyport, 
on this day held a town meeting, and each voted to give instructions 
to their representative, ' relating to his acting in the general coitrt.' 
The instructions given to Joseph Gerrish, representative of New- 
bury, were passed unanimously, and ordered to be kept on file, but 
are now lost. From the instructions given by Newburyport to 
their representative, Dudley Atkiiis, the following extracts are taken. 

■ After adverting to the right of the people to instruct their representatives, 
and remarking upon the liberality of the English constitution, the instruction,, 
proceed : 

' We have the most loyal sentiments of our gracious king, and his illustrious 
family ; we have the highest reverence and esteem for that most august body, 
the parliament of Great Britain ; and we have an ardent affection for our breth- 
ren at home ; we have always regarded their interests as our own, and esteemed 
our own prosperity as necessarily united with theirs. Hence it is that we have 
the greatest concern at some measures adopted by the late ministry, and some 
late acts of parliament, which we apprehend in their tendency will deprive us 
of some of our essential and high-prized liberties. The stamp-act, in a pecu- 
liar manner, we esteem a grievance, as by it we are subjected to a heavy tax, 
to which are annexed very severe penalties ; and the recovery of forfeitures, 
incurred by the breach of it, is in a manner, which the English constitution 
abhors, that is, without a trial by jury, and in a court of admiralty. That a 
people should be taxed at the will of another, whether of one man or many, 
without their own consent, in person or by representative, is rank slavery. 

^ ^ ^ ik ^ M: ^ 

' That these measures are contrary to the constitutional rights of Britons 
cannot be denied ; and that the British inhabitants of America are not in every 
respect entitled to the privileges of Britons, even the patrons of the most arbi- 
trary measures have never yet advanced. 

'We have been full and explicit on this head, as it seems to be the funda- 
mciital point in debate ; bat was the tax in itself ever so constitutional, we 
cannot think but at this time it would be very grievous and burdensome. 

' The embarrassments on our trade are great, and the scarcity of cash arising 
therefrom is such, that by the execntion of the stamp-act, we should be drained 
in a very little time of that medium : the consequence of which is, that our 
commerce must stagnate, and our laborers starve. 

'These, sir, are our sentiments on this occasion; nor can we think that the 
distresses we have painted are the creatures of our own imagination. 



♦ In Boston. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 231 

' We therefore the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town, being legally 
assembled, take this opportunity to declare our just expectations from you, 
which are, 

' That you will, to the utmost of your ability, use your influence in the gene- 
ral assembly that the rights and privileges of this province may be preserved 
inviolate ; and that the sacred deposit, we have received from our ancestors, 
may be handed down, without infringement, to our posterity of the latest 
generations : 

' That you endeavor that all measures, consistent with our loyalty to the best 
of kings, may be taken to prevent the execution of the above grievous innova- 
tions ; and that the repeal of the stamp-act may be obtained by a most dutiful, 
and at the same time most spirited, remonstrance against it. 

'That you do not consent to any new or unprecedented grants, but endeavor 
that the greatest frugality and economy may take place in the distribution of 
the public monies, remembering the great expense the war has involved us in, 
and the debt incurred thereby, which remains undischarged. 

' That you will consult and promote such measures, as may be necessary, in 
this difficult time, to prevent the course of justice from being stayed, and the 
commerce of the province standing still : 

' That if occasion shall ofl"er, you bear testimony in behalf of this town against 
all seditions and mobbish insurrections, and e.vpress our abhorrence of all 
breaches of the peace ; and that you will readily concur in any constitutional 
measures, that may be necessary to secure the public tranquillity.' 

The stamp distributors were everywhere compelled to resign, 
and in many places they were hung in effigy. In Newburyport, 

the effigjr- of a Mr. I B , who had accepted the office of 

stamp distributor, was suspended, September twenty-filth and 
twenty-sixth, from a large elm tree which stood in Mr. Jonathan 
Greenleaf's yard, at the foot of King street, [now Federal street,] a 
collection of tar barrels set on fire, the rope cut, and the image 
dropped into the flames. At ten o'clock, P. M., all the bells in 
town were rang. ' I am sorry to see that substitute,' said a distin- 
guished citizen of Newburj-port, ' I wish it had been the original.' 
Companies of men, armed with clubs, were accustomed to parade 
the streets of Newbury and Newburyport, at night, and, to every 
man they met, put the laconic question, ' stamp or no stamp.' The 
consequences of an affirmative reply, were any thing but pleasant. 
In one instance, a stranger, having arrived in town, was seized by 
the mob, at the foot of Green sti'eet, and, not knowing what answer 
to make to the question, stood mute. As the mob aUow no neu- 
trals, and as silence with them is a crime, he was severely bealen. 
The same question was put to another stranger, who replied, with 
a sagacity worthy of a vicar of Bray, or a Talleyrand, ' I am as 
you are.' He was immediately cheered and applauded, as a true 
son of liberty, and permitted to depart in peace, wondering, no 
doubt, at liis own sudden popularity. 

' The uneasiness,' says the reverend N. Applcton, ' in all the col- 
onies was universal. AU as one man rising up in opposition to it, 
such a union, as was never before witnessed in all the colonics,' so 
that, in the language of doctor Holmes, 'by the first of November, 
when the act was to take eflcct, not a sheet of stamped paper was 
to be had throughout New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and 
the two Carolinas.' 



2o2 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

JuHC Ofh. There were several shocks of an earthquake. 
December iih. ' Great numbers of wild geese were eauti;lu alive, 
many were shot, or killed with clubs, aud uiany were found dead.' 



1766. 

On March eighteenth, the stamp act was repealed. The joy of 
the people, on hearing the intelligence, was as great, as their indig- 
nation had been at its passage. The twenty-fourth of July was 
kept as a day of public thanksgiving, on account of its repeal. ' Our 
people,' says the reverend Thomas Smith, of Portland, ' were almost 
mad with drink and joy. A deluge of drunkenness.' 

Ma// 2OIJ1. A town meeting, in Newburyport, was called, ' by 
beat of drum and word of mouth.' The upper part of the town 
house was ordered to be illuminated, at the town's expense, and that 
' the selectmen deliver out of the town's stock of gunpowder six 
half barrels thereof to be used in the public rejoicings of this day.' 
One half of this was used at the upper long wharf, the other half 
at the lower long wharf, under the supervision of Mi'. John Harberl, 
and captain Gideon Woodwell.* 

The ecclesiastical diiliculties which had arisen in the first parisii, 
under the ministry of the reverend Christopher Toppan, were, it 
appears, far from being settled under his successor, the reverend 
John Tucker, notwithstanding so large a secession had taken place, 
from the church and parish, at the lime of his settlement. On 
February eleventh, the parishioners held a meeting, to decide the 
question, whether to build a new meeting-liouse, on land owned by 
John Brown, esquire, or repair the old one. They voted to repair 
the old meeting-house. This called fortli, at a meeting, held March 
twenty-seventh, a protest from John Brown, and seventeen others, 
' forbidding them to lay out one fai'thing of their interest towards the 
repairs of the meeting house, and demanding their proportion of the 
parish funds.' At the same time, Joseph Coilin, esquu'e, and forty- 
three others, some of whom attended, and some did not attend, the 
reverend Mr. Tucker's preaching, sent a petition to the parish, sta- 
ting, among other things, that 'as we cannot adhere to his principles 
manifest in his preaching, especially of late, we cannot think it our 
duty to ask the favour to be freed from paying any further taxes 
towards his support, or any other parish charges. We therefore 
your petitioners, subscribers hereto humbly pray that you would take 
our case jointly into your serious and most impartial consideration and 
grant us the relief we might rationally expec^t in a nation where liberty 
of conscience is indulged to every sect and denomination of christians 
whatever, and in a land where a love of, and an ardent desire alter, 
liberty is born with us, and prevails against all opposilion even in 
civil, uuich more in religious, afliiirs. We think tliat every ratioiral 



* Town records 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 233 

person must be convinced after about tw^cnty years' trial, that we 
cannot enjoy any la^tina; peace in the parish wliile we thus continue. 
We thereibre,' and so forth. Of this protest and petition, no satis- 
factory notice was taken. Accordingly, those who felt aggrieved, 
formed a new society, which they called the union society, and 
commenced preparations to erect a meeting-house, which, it is said, 
they first intended to build at the northwest corner of Marlborough 
street, but finally determined to place it opposite to the old meeting- 
house, on land which they piu-chased of John Brown, esquire, 
February twenty-eighth. This occasioned another parish meeting, 
April twenty-eighth, at which ' a committee of three was chosen to 
send to the general court to forbid their building a house so near 
the present house.' In July, however, the house was raised, and 
boarded, but was, for some cause, never finished. Tradition asserts, 
that J\L-. Nathan Pierce was once overheard to pray, that ' Dagon, 
[the old house,] might fall before the ark of the Lord.' This in- 
duced the wags of the parish, to call the old meeting-house, ' old 
Dagon,' and the new meeting-house, ' young Dagon,' and when, 
on the ninth of February, 1771, in a violent storm of thunder, light- 
ning, wind, and rain, the new house was blown down, one of them 
exclaimed, as he saw it lifted by the wind, ' I snare, you, young 
Dagon is agoing ! ' 

We at the present day, can have but faint conceptions, of the 
feelings which at that time actuated the ' legalists,' and the ' new 
lights,' as they were then called. This intensity of feeling, was 
principally owing to the virtual union of church and state, which 
then deemed conscience a geographical matter, and made it the 
duty of every man within certain limits, whether he believed the 
doctrines of the preacher, or not, to assist in his support. A large 
portion of the people had been, for many years, in the habit of sup- 
porting two ministers ; one by compulsion, whom they would not 
hear ; the other, whose doctrines accorded with their own, and whom, 
of course, they heard, and voluntarily maintained. This grievance 
was, after many years' endurance, finally removed, thus proving the 
truth of tiie assertion, ' that lilierty is born with us, and prevails 
against all opposition even in civil, much tnore in religions affairs.^ 

May '2Sth. Captain Joshua Coffin and Nathan Pierce, were 
chosen by tlie union society ' a committee to petition the general 
court for liberty for the inhabitants of the first parish to attend upon 
and supjiort ye publick worship where they please in said parish 
and not be taxed elsewhere.' 

June 2d. The union society chose a committee, to treat with the 
court's committee, Juno tenth, with respect to the points of diflerence 
in the first parish. The founders of the union society, held their 
first meeting January second, and on January thirtieth, chose a 
committee of seven to build a meeting-house. 

The division of the Newbury regiment, this year, by governoi 
Bernard, caused gi-eat excitement and opposition among the militia, 
as, in their language, ' it deprived the second regiment of its dignity 
30 



234 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

and station and degraded it to the rank of the seventh and last 
regiment in the county without any regard to justice or the honor 
of a soldier.' The soldiers would not train, the olficers resigned, 
those who accepted commissions were mobbed, and all attempts to 
reconcile them to the new arrangement, proved utterly abortive. 



1767. 

January. It should be mentioned, as a gratifying circumstance, 
that the separation of the third from the first society, was made 
in the most amicable manner. Messrs. Cary and Marsh had both 
been candidates for settlement in the first parish. About one third 
of the church preferred Mr. Marsh. The majority then observed to 
the minority, 'you prefer Mr. i\Iarsh, we, Mr. Cary. If you wish 
to settle Ml'. Mu'sh and build a meeting house we will assist you 
and give you your part of the church plate,' and so forth. This was 
accordingly done; the house was built, fronting on Brown's scjuare, 
and Mr. Alarsh and Mr. Cary both settled; one over the first church 
and parish, the other over the third. 

This year Benjamin Lunl built a wharf, at the foot of IMuzzey's 
lane, [now Marlborough street,] 'as there was no wharf convenient 
to land lumber, and so forth, upon in the town of Newbury.' ^ 

March lOtli. Permission given to Stephen Cross, to set up a 
distillery in Newburyport.* 

June 2it.k. Parliament laid a tax on paper, glass, painters' 
colors, teas, and so forth. 

December 11th. Newbnryport granted the petition of Cutting 
Moody, Edmund Barllet, and others, for the use of the town house, 
for IMr. Christopher Bridge Marsh to preach in, whose hearers, soon 
after, formed the third chm-ch and society in Newbnryport. 



1768. 

Januarij lofh. A slight shock of an earthquake. f 

Januarii lf<lk. The tliird church formed, by a separation from 

the first church. 

April '2Qlh. Yoimg ladies met at the house of reverend Mr. 

Parsons, who preached to them a sermon from Proverbs, 31 : 19. 

They spun, and presented to .Mrs. Parsons two hundred and seventy 

skeins of good yarn. Th(-y drank liberty tea. This was made 

from an herb called rib wort. 

'■ 3Iai/ lO/A. An CNceeding full market, [in Newburyport,] on 

account of the ordination lomoiTow.' f 

'ilfff./y 11///. Reverend Thomas Cary ordained.' f 

' ilf xy 2'-]i/. Commenced framing Rlr. Marsn's meeting house, 

which was dedicated September fifteenth and ]\L-. Marsh ordained 

October nineteenth.' f 

* Nc'wlnirypoit records. t JIi. Samuel Hortoii's diary. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 235 

A quantity of bohca tea, so called, wlilcli srew in Pearson town, 
Maine, ' was received in Nevvburyport the day that he was ordained. 
In the afternoon a dish was made and handed round to a circle of 
gentlemen and ladies, who pronounced it to have all the character- 
istics of genuine bohea tea.' * 

' June 20th. A shock of an earthquake.' f 

September 10th.' On this day, as we learn from the Salem Ga- 
zette, one 'Joshua Vickery ship carpenter was seized by a tnob in 
Newburvport, carried by force to the public stocks, and there com- 
pelled to sit from three to live o'clock on a sharp stone till he fainted. 
He was then carried round town in a cart with a rope roimd his 
neck, with his hands tied behind him, pelted with eggs, gi-avel and 
stones and was much wounded. At night he was carried into a 
dark ware house, hand-cufi'ed with irons, and there compelled to 
remain without bed or clothing through the Lord's day till Monday 
morning, and no person but his wife allowed to visit him. On 
Monday morning the rioters seized a Frenchman, named Francis 
Magro, stripped him naked, tarred and feathered him, placed him 
in a cart and compelled Vickery to lead the horse about town.' 
The cause of these outrages, was, IMagro's giving information to 
the officers of the customs at Portsmouth, against a vessel, the 
owners of which, he supposed were engaged in smuggling. Vick- 
ery was suspected, but was afterw^ard proved to be entirely innocent. 
This was the second mob in Nevvburyport, the first occurring in 
September, 1765. 

October 6th. A fast was kept by the churches of Newbury and 
Rowley, according to a vote of the towns, ' on account of the crit- 
ical situation of the province.' J 

' December oUi. Mr. Richard Noyes fell from his cart and was 
killed by the wheel's passing over him.'f 

In the autumn of this year, the mereiiants of the province mutu- 
ally bound themselves, not (o import, nor to purchase if imported, 
any British goods, before January, 1770, or until parliament repealed 
the revenue laws. 

1769. 

March lAth. Town of Newbury voted, to lend James Hudson 
twenty pounds, to assist him in completing his salt works. 

April. 19'A. First ehnreh in Newbury voted, lliat ' it is agreeable 
that the scriptures be read in publiek.' 

' April IGth. Two boats were overset at Newbiuy bar and eight 
persons drowned, namelv, Enoch Slickney, Diamond Currier, 
Nathaniel Moulton, and Simeon Woodman of Newiuiryport, and 
Samuel Blaisdell, Philip Gould, John Gould, and Moses Currier 
of Amesbury.' ■\ 

April 23i." Byfield church voted to make trial of Vl^atts's psalms 
and hymns. 

* Salem Gazette. t Mr. Samuel Horton's diary. J Town records. 



236 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

'/((/// 13///, about six minutes before seven o'clock tliere was an 
earthquake.' 

'■Jnlji i9l/i. This evening the nortliorn lights made an unusually 
splendid appearance.' 

tSeptrmber Ath. Town of Nowburyport approved of the non- 
importation agreement, and, on September twentieth, voted to return 
the ' thanks of the town to the merchants and others of Boston for 
their patriotic resolution of nonimportation of goods from Great 
Britain,' and so forth. 

1770. 

From the Massachusetts Spy, January seventeenth, I extract the 
following reprint from an English pa]ier. 

' The Newbury, captain Rose, from Newbury, in New England, 
lies at the Orchard hoitse. Black wall. The above is a raft of tim- 
ber in the form of a ship, which came from Newbury to soundings 
in twenty-si.K days and is worthy the attention of the curious.' 

This was one of the three or four ships, Ijuilt in the same manner, 
for Mr. Levi, a Jew, one of whicli was launched December eleventh, 
17()9, and another October ninth, 1771. 

' February 2Alh. An earthquake in a smart snow storm.' 

March IZth. Fifty citizens of Newbury petitioned the town, re- 
questing them to choose a committee, and order them to oft'er the 
inhabitants ' a subscription to sign against purchasing any goods,' 
of certain importers, and also against ' purchasing or using any 
foreign tea in our families upon any account,' and so forth. They 
also petition, ' that the names of such persons as shall refuse to sign 
said subscription may by a vote of the town be recorded in the town 
book that posterity may know, who in this day of public calamity 
are enemies to the liberties of their country and their memorial be 
had in everlasting detestation,' * and much more to the same pur- 
pose. ' Tlie petition was read and accc]5tcd and the measm'es 
therein reciuested were adopted by an unanimous vote of the town,' 
and a committee ' of sixteen persons chosen to oft'er a subscription 
to ye inhabitants of the town to sign.' * The following is an exact 
copy of tliis patriotic pledge, which I find in the handwriting of 
Joshua Coffin, esquire, one of the sLxteen. 

' Whereas it evidently appears to he absolutely Necessary for ye Political 
welfare of this Province to Discourage and by all Lawful JMeans Endeavour to 
prevent ye Transportation of Goods from Great Britain, and Eneoinage Industry, 
Oeconomy and Manufactures amongst our Selves 

' We. therefore, ye Subscribers being Willing to Contribute our Mite for the 
Publick Good, do hereby promise and Engage to and with each other, That we 
will as much as in us lies promote and Encourage ye use and Consumption of 
all useful Articles Manufactured in this Province, and that we will not (Know- 
ingly) on anv pretence whatever, purchase any Goods of. or have any Concerns 
by way of Trade with John Bernard, James McMasters, Patrick RIcMasters, 

* Newbury records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 237 

John Mein, Nathaniel Rogers, William Jackson Theophilus Lillie, John Taylor 
And Ame and Elizabeth Cummin, all of Boston, or Israel Williams Esquire 
and Son of Hatfield, or Henry Barns of Marlborough, or any Person acting by 
or under them or any of them, or any other person or persons whomsoever that 
shall or may import Goods from Great Britain contrary to ye Agreement of ye 
United Body of Merchants, or of any Persons that purchases of or Trades with 
them, or any of them ye sd Importers before a General Importation takes place 
(Debts before Contracted only excepted.) 

' And if it doth or may hereafter appear, that there is any Ship Builder in 
Newbury Port, or any other Town wheresoever in New England, that has so 
little Regard for ye Publick welfare, as to undertake to Build any Ship Schoon- 
er, or Sea-faring Vessel for any Foreigner, or any other Person And take ye pay 
for ye Same, or any part thereof, in Goods Imported Contrary to ye Agreement 
of sd Merchants, We promise and Engage not to have any Connection by way 
of Trade and Commerce (Debts before Contracted only excepted) with any Such 
Ship Builder, nor sell them any Materials for Building any Such Vessels. But 
we will look upon all such Ship Builders (as well as Importers and Traders 
with Importers) as persons Destitute of ye principles of Common Humanity 
(Sway'd only by their own Private Interest) Enemies to their Country and wor- 
thy of Contempt. And whereas a great part of ye Revenue arising by virtue of 
ye Acts of Parliament, is produc'd from the duty paid on Tea. We do therefore 
Solemnly Promise not to purchase any Foreign Tea, or Sufl'er it to be u.s'd in 
our Families upon any Account untill ye sd Revenue Acts are Repeal'd or a 
General Importation takes place. And we will each one of us, as we have proper 
Opportunitys Recommend to all persons to do ye same. And we do hereby of 
our Own free will and Accord Solemnly promise to and with Each Other, That 
we will without Evasion or Equivocation Faithfully and truly Keep and Observe 
all that is above written, And whosoever shall or may Sign these Articles, And 
afterwards (Knowingly) break ye same shall by us be esteem'd as a Covenant 
Breaker, an Enemy to his Country, a Friend to slavery. Deserving Contempt. 

' All and Singular of these Articles to Continue and Remain in Force tintill 
ye sd Acts be Repeal'd, or a General Importation takes place. 

' As Witness our Hands.' 

March 23d. Town of Newbuiyport voted ' that this town will 
not u.se or buy any foreign tea and do what they can to discourage 
it in others,' and, on April third, voted ' to refrain from all foreign or 
India tea,' and also ' voted to choose a committee of ten men as a 
committee of inspection to inspect the transactions of this town 
respecting the importation of goods into the town contrary to ye 
agreement of the merchants of Boston and elsewhere.' This com- 
mittee prepared a subscription paper, ' for all those to sign, who are 
determined not to buy or sell or use any tea in their families,' and 
were desired 'to lay before the town the names of those, who refuse 
to sign,' and ' if there shoitld be any others, who sign the agreement 
and do n't duly regard it.' 

The honorable Caleb Gushing, in his history of Newburyport, 
says, that the meeting of April third, was called on suspicion ' that 
a wagon load of tea had been brought into town.' 

April Villi. The duties on all articles, were repeeded by parlia- 
ment, excej)! that on tea. 

May 24th. The town of Newbury petitioned the general court, 
to pass an act to prevent the destruction of bass in the river Parker. 

This is the first petition of the kind that I have seen from 
Newbury. 



238 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Mai] 2irtli. The town of Newbury voted to grant the petition of 
Benjamin Pettingeli, and ninety-nine others, who desired, in sub- 
stance, that they might attend jniblic worship in any part of New- 
bury or Nevvburyport, ' where they choose,' ' and pay where they 
attend and no where else.' The town also, at the same meeting, 
'chose Nathan Pierce, Joshua Coffin and Samuel Greenleaf esquLres 
a committee to pctilion the general court to confirm the above 
vole by a law of the province.' The town also voted ' that Stephen 
Brown be added to the tea committee, and the time for subscribing 
be lengthenetl until the autumn.'^ 

Julij. This summer, the country was visited with immense 
armies of worms, supposed to be the same species with those that 
came in 1733. 'This worm,' says doctor Dwight, 'was a caterpillar 
nearly two inches in length, striped longitudiniliy with a very deep 
brown, and white; its eyes very large, briglu and piercing, its move- 
ments very rapid, and its numbers infinite. Its march was from 
west to east. Walls and fences were no obstruction to its course, 
nor inJeed was any thing else, except the sides of trenches, which 
were plowed, or dag before it, and in which immense multitudes of 
these animals died.' Multitudes of these trenches were dug in 
Newburv, and many fields were in this way preserved. There was 
also a drought this sununer, and, on July nineteenth, ' Benjamin 
Poor's barn in Newbury new town was consumed by lightning.' 

September 20fh. Sunday morning, about six o'clock, died the 
reverend George Whitefield, in Newburyport, at the house of the 
reverend Jonathan Parsons. From the seventeenth to the twentieth, 
he had preached every day in Boston. On tlie twenty-first, he went 
to Portsmouth, where he preached daily, from the twenty-third to the 
twenty-ninth ; once at Kittery, and once at York. On Saturday, the 
twenty-ninth, he preached nearly two hours, at Exeter, in the open 
air. In the afternoon, he rode to Newburyport, as he had engaged 
to preach in Newburyport the next morning. He had preached in 
Newburyport, September tenth and eleventh, and perhaps at other 
times, as Mr. Samuel Horton says, in his diary, 'I subscribed five 
pounds old tenor to be remitted to Mr. Whitefield in consideration 
of his abundant labours in Newburyport.' It was ownng to the 
labors of Mr. Whitefield, that the first presbyterian church in 
Newburyport was formed, and, in the language of Mr. Cushing, 
'whatever may be Ihonght of tlie peculiar opinions of Mr. Whitefield 
certain it is that his eloquence as a preacher was unrivalled; and 
his 7.Gi\ for the cause he taught, of the highest character. The fruits 
of his ministration here were great and striking; and the establish- 
ment of the society under consideration afforded proof of the per- 
manency of its effects.'! He was buried beneatii the i)ulpit, in 
the church in Federal street, in which a cenotapli was erected to his 
memory, in 1829, by the munificence of the late William Bartlet, 
esquire. 

♦ Newbury records. t History of Newburyport. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



239 




Vs.a4firi£r.0ef. * 



Hi'CP^i 



NORTH WEST VIEW OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
NEWBURVPORT, MASS., 
IN WHICH ARE DKPOSITED THE REMAINS OF 

REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD. 
INCLtniNG A DISTANT VIEW OF THE HOUSE IN WHICH HE DIED. 



1771. 

March 12th. A great freshet, and great destruction of bridges, 
and so forth. 

March 29th. Abraham Larkin, an Irishman, was crushed 1o 
death, while e.xamining the machinery in the top of the windmill, 
at the south end of Frog pond. 

Mai/ 2Sth. The town again voted, that Joshna Coffin, esquire, 
and others, who were chosen iMay twenty-fourth, 1770, to prefer a 
petition to the general court, ' be now instructed to use their utmost 
influence to get the said vote passed into a law of the province at 
the next sessions of the general court.' * 

* Ncwbuiy records. 



240 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 



1772. 

Janvary 30th. Sloop Tlirce Friends, captain Mai-k Foran, from 
Cri'enoelv, in Scotland, was cast away on Plum island. 

February 10th. Captain Thomas Parsons sailed from Newbury- 
port, in a schooner, for the West Indies ; was wrecked at St. Mary's, 
Nova Scotia. It was supposed, that he, with all his crew, eisfht in 
number, were massacred by the inhabitants there, after plundering 
the vessel, and setting it on fii-e. 

March 26lh. First parish voted to erect a steeple on the meeting- 
house, to hang the bell in. 

June 18th. Snow fell in Newbury. 

July 6th. The first parish ' voted to put up a copper weather 
cock on the top of the pyramid ' of the meeting-house. This was 
substituted for the iron one, which was made at the time the meeting- 
house was erected, from colonel Thomas Noyes's old iron dri]5ping 
pan. So ]\'Ir. Robert Adams was informed, by iVIi'. Joseph Noyes, 
then ninety years of age. 

Newburyport held a meeting, December twenty-third, and New- 
bury, December twenty-ninth, and chose committees, the former of 
twelve persons, the latter of sLxtecn, ' to take under consideration our 
publiek grievances,' and ' tlio infringement of our rights and liber- 
ties,' and to report, and so forth. In both meetings, allusion was 
made to the able pamphlet ' received from Boston,' and of their 
proceedings at a meeting, November twentieth. 

' December. The whole of this month veiy warm, rain every 
three or four days. On the thirtieth there was no more ice in the 



river tiian m Junt 



Ji 



. ' ik 



1 773. 

January 1st. Newburyport held an adjourned meeting, to hear 
the report of their committee, whose ' letter was read and accepted,' 
a copy ordered ' to be sent to the committee of coiTcspondcnce of 
the town of Boston.' The town also ' voted that captain Jonathan 
Greenieaf, our representative, be acquainted thai it is the desire and 
expectation of this town that he will persevere with steadiness and 
resolution in conjunction with his brethren in the honorable house of 
representatives to use his utmost endeavom's to procure a full and 
complete redress of all our publiek grievances, and to do every thing 
in his power in order that the present and succeeding generations 
may have the full enjoyment of all those privileges and advantages, 
wliich naturally and necessarily result from our glorious constitution.' 

January Ath. Town of Newbury held a meeting, and voted, 
unanimously, ' to accept the report of their committee and that it 
be entered among the records of the town, there to stand as a last- 

*f lievoR'inl JIiisus lliUf's diiuy. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 241 

ing memorial of the sense they have of their invaluable righls and 
of their steady determination to defend them in every lawlul way 
as occasion may require.' 

The report of the committee, which may be found on the town 
records, is an able and spirited document, but is too long for publi- 
cation. Both Newbm-y and Newburyport most cordially thank the 
inhabitants of Boston, 'for their vigilance and patriotic zeal,' and 
chose a committee of correspondence, ' to correspond with the town 
of Boston and such others as they shall think proper,' and so forth. 

Febnianj 4th. The first parish ' voted not to release any of the 
pretended churchmen,' [from paying taxes.] 

' Aug-ust 14th. About eight o'clock there was in Salisbury and 
part of Amesbury the most violent tornado, or short hm-ricane, per- 
haps ever known in the country. It continued about three minutes, 
in which time it damaged, or entirely prostrated, nearly two hundred 
buildings. It removed two vessels one of them of ninety tons, 
twenty-two feet from the stocks. The vein of the tempest was 
about a quarter of a mile in width on the river and about a mile 
and a half in length.' 

September 23d. Dudley Colman chosen town clerk of Newbury. 

September 28th. Inferior court held in Newburyport. From the 
Salem Gazette, I make the following extract. 

October, 1773. Extract of a letter from Newburyport. October 
tenth. ' We have lately had our court week when the novel case 
of Caesar against his master in an action of fifty pounds lawful 
money damages for detaining him in slavery was litigated before a 
jury of the county, who found for the plaintiff eighteen pounds 
damages and costs.' The defendant was Mr. Richard Greenleaf. 
For a more full account of this case in particular, and of the trans- 
actions concerning slavery in Newbury, see appendix, H. 

' November 26th. Town of Newbury chose a committee of five 
persons to prevent the inoculation of the small pox at the house of 
IMoses Little esquire, and also voted not to suffer inoculation in the 
town.' 

December 4th. On this day, the first number of a paper, called 
the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, was published, in 
Newburyport, by Isaiah Thomas and Henry Walter Tinges. This 
was distributed gratis. The next number was published December 
twenty-ninth. 

December 22d. Town of Newbury met and voted, unanimously, 
' not to receive the tea sent by the East India coujpany to America 
upon the terms, we are informed it is now sent upon. 

' Voted unanimously that this town will use their utmost endeav- 
oiu-s to hinder the importation of tea in America so long as the 
duty shall remain thereon either by the East Lidiu company, or in 
any other way whatever. 

' Voted to choose a committee to draw up wliat shall appear to 
them the sense of this town and make report at an adjourned 
meeting.' 

31 



242 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

*■ December 9tli. At a numerous [informal] meetimr of the people 
of Newburyport and others, a committee of five was chosen, who 
reported the following, which was accepted. ' We have taken into 
consideration the late proceedings of the town of Boston relating 
to the importation of tea by the East India company into America, 
and do acquiesce in their proceedings and are determined to give 
them all the assistance in om- power eceit. at the risque of our lives 
and fortunes.'' ' 

December loth. On this day, the people of Boston, having pre- 
viously tried, without success, to send back the three tea ships that 
had arrived, and, determined that it should not be used, a party of 
armed men, disguised as Indians, boarded the ships, and threw their 
whole cargoes into tlie docks. 

' As the Mohawks kind of thouglit, 
The Yankees had n't ought, 
To drink tlial are lea.' 

December 16th. At a legal meeting of the freeholders, and other 
inhabitants of Newburyport, the committee chosen for that purpose, 
' reported the following draft of a letter to be sent to the committee 
of correspondence of the town of Boston,' which was adopted at 
an adjourned meeting, December twentieth. 

' Gentlemen, it is with astonishment that we reflect on the unremitted efforts 
of tlie British ministry and parliament to fasten ruin and infamy npon these 
colonies. They not only claim a right to control and tax us at their pleasure, 
but are practising every species of fraud as well as violence their deluded 
minds can suppose feasible to support and establish tliis absurd and injurious 
claim. A fresh instance we have in the plan lately adopted for supplying the 
colonies with tea. If the money thus unconstitutionally taken from us was to 
be expended for our real benetit and advanta-ie it would still be grievous, as the 
method of obtaining it is of a danserous nature and most fatal tendency. But 
we lose all patience when we consider that the industrious Americans are to be 
stript of their honest earninas to gratify the humours of lawless and ambitious 
men and to support in idleness and luxury a parcel of worthless parasites their 
creatures and tools, who are swarming thick upon us and are already become a 
notorious burden to the community. We are sorry that any, who call them- 
selves Americans are hardy enough to justify these unrighteous proceedings. 
They surely deserve the utmost contempt and indigTiation of all honest men 
throughout the world, for our part we shall endeavour to treat them according 
to their deserts. By the public prints we are favoured with the sentiments of 
several respectable towns in the province, expressed in a number of manly, 
sensible and spirited resolves with respect to the evils immediately before us. 
We are under creat obliiations to our worthy friends and brethren, who have 
nobly stood forth in this important cause. We assure them that should they 
aeed our assistance in any emergency we determine most readily to exert our 
itmost abilities in every manly and laudable way, our wisdom may dictate for 
he salvation of our country, even at the hazard of our lives and trusting through 
he favour of a kind providence we shall be able to frustrate all the designs of 
.lur enemies.' * 

December '2Sf!i. Great freshet in Merrimac river. 

* Newburyport town records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 243 



1 774. 

Januarji 4th. The town of Newbury met, siecording to adjourn- 
ment, and unanimously adopted a long and able repori, embracing 
fourteen resolutions, of the most spirited and determined tone, con- 
cluding as J'oUows. 

'And ■whereas our brethren address us with religious solemnit)-. and conde- 
scend to ask our advice, the committee take leave to offer to the consideration 
of the town, the following short address, as appearing to them proper upon the 
present important occasion. 

' Beloved hrethreu, let us stand fast in the liberty, wherewith God and the 
British constitution in conjunction with our own, have made us free, that neither 
we, nor our po.sterrt_v after us (through any fault of ours) be entangled with the 
yoke of bondage.' * 

During this period of apprehension and excitement, which were 
preparing the people for the arduous conHiet before them, ihey 
found opportunities for amusement, peenliar to their situation. 
Many eases like the following might be given, which I relate on 
the testimony of an eye witness, the late Mr. Caleb Greenleaf, of 
Haverhill, and the public pajiers. 

Februarij 15fh. One Holland Shaw, having been detected in 
stealing a shirt, was immediately taken before a sort of ex tempore 
court, convened for the occasion, was sentenced as follows, namely, 
'that he parade through the principal streets of the town, accompa- 
nied by the town crier ^vith his drum.' The sentence was forliiwilh 
put into execution. The town crier, William Douglass, with his 
brass barreled drum, and the thief with the shirt, headed the proces- 
sion, which took np its line of march. The paper of that day 
informs us, 'that he was compelled to proclaim his crime and pro- 
duce the evidence, which was the shirt with the sleeves tied round 
his neck, the other part on his back.' The proclamation, which he 
was compelled to utter with a loud voice, was, ' I stole this shirt, 
which is tied round my neck from Mr. Joseph Coffin's house in 
Salisbury, and I am very sorry for it.' Having been thus marched 
through the principal streets, and satisfied the demands of tliis new 
court of justice, he was dismissed, and never, after that night, was 
he seen in Newburyport. Another person, who had stolen a quan- 
tity of salt fish, was compelled to make atonement for his oflenec, 
by parading through the streets, holding a salt fish in his hand, 
above his head, and proclaiming his crime in a similar manner : 
' I stole this fish and five quintals more.' An English sailor was 
also marched round the town, with a pair of stolen breeches tied 
round his neck, informing the people what ]w had, and how he 
obtained them. 

April 19/A. Battle at Lexington. 

Intelligence having been received in England, on March sevcnlli, 

* Newbury records. 



244 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

of the manner in which the Bostonians had disposed of the East 
India company's tea, passed an act, which went into operation June 
first, by which the harbor of Boston was closed against the entrance, 
or deparfnr,", of any vessels. It was called the ' Boston port bill.' 

Jiinr. mil. Battle of Bunker hill. 

June 2'Sd. ' The town of Newbury met to take into consideration 
certain letters sent from the committee of correspondence in Boston 
to the committee of correspondence in Newbury, the following 
answer was taken by yeas and nays without one dissenting voice.' 

' As there is a general congress of the colonies proposed to consider and ad- 
vise on the present distressed state of our civil and cuminercial aliairs, we can- 
not think it safe, decent or suitable to go into any decisive binding engagements 
previous to that, but to assure our brethren through the continent of our hearty 
good wishes to the common cause of liberty and our country, do now testify 
that we can witli the utmost freedom and cheerfulness agree to discontinue all 
commerce with Great Britain and with all importers of goods from thence, or 
those who shall refuse to comply with these, or any other measures, that shall 
be determined by the snid congress so long as shall by them be judged expedi- 
ent and necessary for the opening Boston harbor and recovering and perpetua- 
ting all our just rights and liberties.'* 

August 2d. The town of Newburyport held a meeting, and, 
ainong other things, ' voted unanimously that this town will stand 
by the result of the congress even if it be to the stopping of all 
trade.' ' Voted also to send two hundred pounds for the relief of 
indigent persons in the town of Boston.' 

Aiig-ust 9lh. ' Town of Newbury voted to send two hundred 
pounds to purchase provisions to be sent and given to the suffering' 
inhabitanis of the town of Boslon.' 

September 22d. ' The town of Newbury chose the honorable 
Joseph Gerrish esqtrire as their representative and voted that he be 
directed and instructed not to be c(ualified for his seat in the house 
by any ol the councilors, who have received their commission by 
mandamus from his majesty but by the council chosen by the house 
of representatives agreeable to the charter of this province.' * 

October 3d. The town of Newburyport met, and gave instruc- 
tions to captain Jonathan Greenleaf, their representative, of the most 
derermined and decided character. I have only room for the fol- 
lowing extract. ' Armed ships and armed inen are the arguments 
to compel our obedience and the more than implicit language that 
these utter is that we must submit or die. But God grant that 
neither of these may be our unhappy fate. We design not madly 
to brave our own destruction, and we do not tliirst for the blood of 
others, but reason and religion demand of us that we guard our 
invaluable rights at the risque of both,' and so forth. 

October 2Ath. The town of Newburyport held a meeting, and 
' voted that all the inhabitants be desired to furnish themselves with 
arms and ammunition and have bayonets fixed to their guns as soon 
as may be. 

• Newbury records. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 245 

' Voted also that no effigies be earried about or exhibited on ihe 
fifth of November or other time only in tiie day time.' 

December 2Sth. Town of Newburyport chose Tristram Dalton, 
esquire, captain Jonathan Greenleaf, and Mr. Stephen Cross, ' to 
represent this town in the provincial congress to be held at Cam- 
bridge in February next.' 

1 775. 

The people of Newbury and Newburyport, having made all 
necessary preparations, and taken all needful precautions, for tiieli" 
protection, and the preservation of their invaluable rights and priv- 
ileges, and given utterance to their feelings, in the most determined 
and decided tone, prior to the commencement of this year, soon 
discovered that nothing short of a severe and bloody contest, or 
unconditional submission, was before them. With them, submission 
was out of the question, and events soon transpired, which made it 
manifest, that they must buckle on their armor, and summon all 
their energies, for the coming conflict. For this, they were with 
great unanimity prepared, come when it might. On the twenty- 
sixth of February, general Gage sent colonel Leslie from castle 
William to Salem, to seize some military stores. This, the people 
would not permit him to do, and, had it not been for the prudent 
interposition of the reverend Thomas Barnard, of Salem, (formerly 
of Newbury.) and others, the war of the revolution would have 
begun at Salem, instead of Lexington. The fight at Lexington, 
the skirmish at Concord, April nineteenth, and the battle at Bunker 
hill, June seventeenth, precluded all hope of an amicable settlement 
of the conti-oversy. The spirits of the people rose with the occasion. 
In the midst, however, of their excitement, an event occurred, which, 
whether arising from accident, or a regular preconcerted plan, it is 
impossible to say, occasioned, for a time, great anxiety and distress 
among the people, and in which, on a review of all the circum- 
stances connected with it, there appeared such a curious commin- 
gling of the comic, the ludicrous, and the distressing, as would 
afTord ample materials for a volume of amusement. Those who 
witnessed the scene, can never forget it, and those who did not, can 
have but a faint idea of it from any description. I allude now, to 
what has been usually called 'the Ipswich fright,' which happened 
on this wise. On Friday afternoon, April twenty-tirst, the second 
day after the Lexington fight, the people of Newburyport held an 
informal meeting, at the town house, and, just as the reverend 
Thomas Cary was about opening the meeting with prayer, a mes- 
senger rushed up stairs, in breathless haste, crying out, 'for God's 
sake, turn out! turn out! or you will all be killed! The regulars 
are marching this way. and will soon be here. They are now at 
Ipswich, cutting and slashing all before them I' The messenger 
proved to be Mr. Ebenezer Todd, who stated that he had been sent 
from Rowley, to warn the people of their impending destruction. 



246 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

The news spread like wildfire, and being generally credited, the 
consternation became almost universal, and as a large part of the 
militia had marched to the scene of action, early the next morning 
after tiie fight at Lexington, tlie terror and alarm among the women 
and cliildrcn, was proi)ortionably increased, especially, as, from all 
quarters, was heard the cry, 'the regulars are coming! They are 
down to Old town bridge, cutting, and slashing, and killing all 
before them I They '11 soon be here 1 ' It is remarkable, thai the 
same story, in substance, was simultaneously told, from Ipswich to 
Coos. In every jjlace, the report was, tiiat the regulars were but a 
few miles behind them. In Newbury New town, it was said, ihey had 
advanced as far as Artichoke river, at Newbury port they were at Old 
town bridge; there, they were said to be at Ipswich, while, at the latter 
place, the alarm was the same. Mr. Eliphalet Hale, of Exeter, was at 
the latter jjlace, and waited to ascertain the correctness of the report. 
Learning that it was without foundation, he made haste to unde- 
ceive the people, by riding from Ipswich to Newbury in fifty min- 
utes. In the mean time, all sorts of ludicrou^ things were done, by 
men and women, to escape impending destruction. All sorts of 
vehicles, filled with all sorts of people, together with hundreds on 
foot, were to be seen, moving with all possible speed, farther north, 
somewhere, to escape the terrible 'regulars.' Their speed was accele- 
rated, by persons who rode at full speed through the streets, crying, 
'flee for your lives! flee for your lives! the regulars are coming!' 
Some crossed the river for safety. Some in Salisbury, went to Hamp- 
ton, and spent the night in houses vacated by their owners, who 
had gone on the same errand farther north. The houses at TurJcey 
hill, were filled with women and childrt'u, who spent the night in 
great trepidation. One man yoked up his oxen, and, taking his own 
family, and some of his neighbor's children, in his cart, drove off to 
escape the regulars. Another, having concealed all his valuable 
papers, under a great stone, in his field, fastened his doors and win- 
dows, and, having loaded his musket, resolved .to sell his life as 
dearly as possible. One woman, having concealed all her pewter 
and silverware, in the well, filled a bag with pies and other edibles, 
and set off with it and her family for a safer place, but having trav- 
eled some distance, and deposited her bag, to make some inquiry, 
she found, on her return, that there had been ' cutting and slashing,' 
not, indeed, by thi; regulars among the people, but by the irregulars 
among her provisions. Another woman, as I am informed, iiaving 
run four or five miles, in great trepidation, stopped on the steps of 
the reverend Mr. Noble's meeting-house, to nurse her child, and found, 
to her great horror, that she brought off the cat, and left her child at 

home. In another instance, a ]Mr. , having placed his family 

on board of a boat, to go to Ram island, for safety, was so annoyed 
with the crying of one of his children, that he exclaimed, in a gi-eat 
fright, ' do throw that s([nalling brat overboard, or we shall all be 

discovered!' A Mr. .1 L , seeing Mr. C H , a 

very corpulent man, standing at his door, with his musket loaded, 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 247 

inquired of liim if he was not going. ' Going ? no,' said he, ' 1 
am going to stop and shoot the devils ! ' Propositions were made 
by some persons, to destroy Thorla's, and the river Parker, bridges, 
while many acted a more rational part, and resolutely refused to 
move a step, or credit the whole of tlic (lying stories, without more 
evidence. How, or by whom, or with what motives, the report was 
first started, no one can tell. It lasted in Newbury and Newbury- 
port, but one night, and in the morning, all who had been informed 
that the rumor was without foundation, 

' Returned safe home. ris;ht glad to save 
Their property from pillage ; 
And all agreed to blame the man, 
Who first alarmed the village.' 

As was previously remarked, the fight at Lexington was on 
Wednesday, April nineteenth, and, as soon as the news reached New- 
buryport and Newbury, which was about midnight, a large number 
of soldiers were on their march to the field of action. Two compa- 
nies from Newbmy, atid two from Newburyport, were soon on the 
ground, ready for any emergency which migiit occur. In another 
place, something more will be found, concerning tlie part which 
Newbury and Newburyport took, during the trying scenes of the 
revolution, and the names of some of the actors ; also a brief sum- 
mary, of some of the events connected with the privateering business, 
in which the people of Newburyport were very extensively engaged. 

From a journal of every day's proceedings, kept by lieutenant 
Paul Lunt, I make a few extracts. 

'May tenth, 1775, marched from Newburj-port with sixty men, captain Ezra 
Lunt, commander, and May twelfth at eleven o'clock arrived at Cimibridije. 
June fourteenth, some ships and transports arrived at Boston with two hundred 
horse and three thousand troops. June sixteenth, our men went to Charlestown 
and intrenched on a hill beyond Bunker's hill. They fired from the ships and 
Copps' hill all the time. June seventeenth, the regulars landed a number of 
troops and we engaged them. They drove us off the hill and burned Charles- 
town. July second, at night general Washington came into the camp. July 
third, turned out early in the morning, got in readiness to be reviewed by the 
general. July eighteenth. This morning a manifesto was read by the reverend 
Mr. Leonard, chaplain to the Connecticut forces upon Prospect hill in Charles- 
town. Our standard was presented in the midst of the regiments with this in- 
scription upon it : appeal to heaven, after which Mr. Leonard made a 
short prayer and there we were dismissed by the discharge of a cannon, three 
cheers, and a war-whoop by the hidians.' 'July thirty-lirst. At four V. M. they 
[the British,] sent out a flag of truce, desiring a cessation of arms for three 
hours, but it was not granted. One of the riflemen shot at lire flag stall' of the 
truce and cut it off above his hand.' 

General Washington, having projected an expedition against 
Quebec, determined to send out a detachment, from his camp, at 
Boston, to march by the way of the Kennebec river, through the 
wilderness. As that detachment passed through Newbury and 
Newburyport, and encamped here on its way to Canada, a short 
account of it will not bo unacceptable. In lieutenant Paul Lunt's 
journal, I find the following. 



243 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

< e i.,r,hrr 1 Olh Twenty of our company enlisted to go to Canada under the 

'Septemba lOth- ^^^™^y SpDtember thirteenth. In the afternoon the regi- 

comraand of f,P^''Vambiidne1^^ NeX port, there to embark for Canada 

enlisted in.' 

One of the men from Newbrn-yport, who was a soldier in this 
disa reus expediiion, was Mr. Caleb Haskell, who kept a jom-nal 
oSrnarch and of the hardships and privations endm-ed by the 
tops. Th^ jom-nal, I have never been able to obtam though U 
as been read by many with thriUing interest. I shall therefore 
make a few extracts from major Remrn J. Meigs's journal. 

' 1775 September I6th. hi the mnrnmg continued our march and at ten o'clock 
^^^^iSCS::^^'^"^enr^:er;ice at the reverend Mr. Parson.s 
meetino-. Dined at Mr. Nathaniel Tracy-s. _ 

lekgue.s from Newburyport,' and so forth. 

In addition to the names already given, of persons who accom- 

it Fort Western, as early as September twenty-seventh Ihe 
?mn.,wts landed the men It Pittston, Maine, where the batteanx 
were'built. The result of this expedition, wliich arrived at Quebee, 
November ninlh, is well known. 

'Fort Western, '21th September, 1775. 

' To captain Moses Nowell, 
Newburyport : 

headquarters. nm, your humble servant, 

■' B. Arnold.' 

* Th. riflemen under captain Morgan, encamped ir; the field at the corner of Rolfe's 
lane.'' Th'e'oTer troops occupied two <,f the rope - -no- ^^^^^ „p,,i„ 

t The following are the names of some ot these vessels 
rlarkson; sloop Britannia; sloop Admiral. , „,„„ t;« 

} Maine Historical Society's Collection, volume first, page 358. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 249 

'Fort Western, 28th September, 1775. 
Jlr. Nathaniel Tracy : 

'Dear Sir: 
' This will be handed you by captain Clarkson who will acquaint you with 
The particulars of our voyage, which has been very troublesome indeed. 

' To captain Clarkson [am under many obligations for his activity, vigilance 
and care of the whole fleet, both on our passage and since our arrival here ; for 
which he may very possibly be blamed by some of the other captains ; but he 
has really merited much, and it will always give me a sensible pleasure to hear 
of his welfare and success, as I think him very deserving. 

' I must embrace this opportunity to acknowledge the many favour.s received 
from you at Newbury ; and am with my best respects to Mrs. Tracy, your 
brother and Mr. Jackson, and so forth, 

Dear sir, yours, and so forth, 

B. Arnold.' 

Note. Some writers, among whom are judge Marshall and reverend doctor 
Holmes, mistake in stating that a company of artillery under captain John 
Lamb, accompanied Arnold's expedition. Setting aside the impossibility of 
transporting heavy cannon and balls, and so forth, and so forth, through the 
wilderness, between the Kennebec and the Chaudiere. we have the positive 
assertion of contemporary journals,* that captain Lamb, with a company of ar- 
tillery, was, August twenty-eighth, 1775, posted on the battery, in New York 
cit)', and that, on the eighteenth of September, captain L., {having gone by the 
way of the Hudson river, to join general Montgomery,!) airived at Cumberland 
bay, fifty miles from Montgomery's camp at isle aux Noix. 

For the above note, copies of the preceding letters, and other 
information, which I have been under the necessity of abridging, I 
ain indebted to the politeness of reverend WiUiam S. Bartlet, now 
of Chelsea. I regi-et that I have not room for the whole communi- 
cation. Other facts and incidents demand a passing notice. Among 
them, may be mentioned, the annual celebration of an event, which, 
from the first settlement of New England, till this yeai", was deemed 
worthy of public commemoration. I allude to the discovery of the 
^gunpowder plot,' which took place November fifth, 1605. The 
last pubUc celebration of • pope day,' so called, in Newbury and 
Newbmyport, occurred this year. ' To prevent any tumult or dis- 
order taking place dm'ing the evening or night,' the town of New- 
buryport voted, October twenty-fourth, 1774, 'that no eifigies be 
carried about or exhibited on the fifth of November only in the day 
time.' Motives of policy afterward induced the discontinuance of 
this custom, which lias now bec<ime obsolele. Tliis year, tiie cele- 
bration went off with a great (loin-ish. In ihe day time, eom|)anies 
of little boys might be seen, in various jiarls of tlie town, witli liieir 
little popes, dressed up in the most grotesque and fantastic maimer, 
which they carrried about, some on boards, and some on little car- 
riages, for their own and others' amusement. But the great exhibi- 
tion was reserved for the night, in which young men, as well as 
boys, participated. Tliev first constructed a huge vehicle, varying, 
at times, from twenty to forty feet long, eight or ten wide, and live 

* New York Gazette and Weekly Messenger, September eleventh, 177.'), and f Octo- 
ber fifth, 1775. 

32 



250 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

or six high, from the lower to the upper platform, on the front of 
which, they erected a paper lantern, capacious enough to hold, in 
addition to the lights, five or six persons. Behind that, as large as 
life, sat the mimic pope, and several other personages, monks, friars, 
and so forth. Last, but not least, stood an image of what was de- 
signed to be a representation of old Nick himself, furnished with 
a pair of huge horns, holding in his hand a pitchfork, and otherwise 
accoutred, with all the frightful ugliness that their ingenuity could 
devise. Their next step, after they had mounted their ponderous 
vehicle on four wheels, chosen their officers, captain, first and second 
Heutenant, purser, and so forth, placed a boy under the platform, to 
elevate and move round, at proper intervals, the movable head of 
the pope, and attached ropes to the front part of the machine, was, 
to take up their line of march through the principal streets of the 
town. Sometimes, in addition to the images of the pope and his 
company, there might be found, on the same platform, half a dozen 
dancers, and a fiddler, whose 

' Hornpipes, jiffs, strathspeys, and reels, 
Put life and mettle in their heels,' 

together with a large crowd, who made up a long procession. Their 
custom was, to call at the principal houses in various parts of the 
town, ring theur bell, cause the pope to elevate his head, and look 
round upon the audience, and repeat the following lines. 

' The fifth of Noveniher, 
As you well reineinber. 
Was gunpowder treason and plot, 
I know ol" no reason 
Why the gunpowder treason, 
Should ever be Ibrgot. 

When the first king James the sceptre swayed, 
This hellish powder plot was laid. 
Thirty-six barrels of powder placed down below, 
All for old England's overthrow: 
Happy the man, and happy the day. 
That caught Guy Fawkes in the middle of his play. 
You '11 hear our bell go jink, jink, jink ; 
Pray madam, sirs, if you'll something give, 
We '11 burn the dog. and never let him live. 
We 'II burn the dog without his head, 
And then yoit HI saij the doif is dead. 
From Rome, from Rome, the pope is come, 
All in ten thousand fears; 
The fiery sei-pent's to be seen, 
All head, mouth, nose, and ears. 
The treacherous knave had so contrived, 
To blow king parliament all up all alive. 
God by his grace he did prevent 
To save both king and parliament. 
Happy the inan, and happy the day, 
That catched Guy Fawkes in the middle of his play. 
Match touch, catch prime. 
In the good nick of time. 
Here is the pope that we have got, 
The whole promoter of the plot. 
We'll stick a pitchfork in his back, 
And throw him in the fire.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 251 

After the verses were repeated, the pvtrser stepped forward, and 
took up his collection. Nearly all on whom they called, gave 
something. Esqnire Alkins and esquire Dalton, always gave a 
dollar apiece. After perambulating the town, and finishing their 
collections, they concluded their evening's entertainment with a 
splendid supper ; after malcing, with the exception of the wheels, 
and the heads of the effigies, a bonfire of the whole concern, to 
which were added, all the wash tubs, tar barrels, and stray lumber, 
that they could lay their hands on. With them, the common cus- 
tom was, to steal all the stuff. But those days have long since 
passed away. The last exhibition of the kind, took place this year. 
The principal cause of its discontinuance, was, an unwillingness to 
displease the French, whose assistance was deemed so advantageous 
during the revolution, 

1776. 

February '3d. Nevvburyport gave to the town of Boston, two 
hundred and two pounds, ten shillings, and two pence, Mr. Parsons's 
parish gave ten pounds, sLxteen shillings, and four pence, Mr. Tuck- 
er's parish, in Newbiu-y, gave forty-six pounds, four shillings, and 
two pence, and Mr. Noble's gave nine pounds and six pence. 
These w-ere in addition to the four hundred pounds given by the 
two towns. 

January 15th, Monday. Tlie brig Sukey, captain Engs, ninety 
tons, from Ireland, was taken by the Washington, privateer, and 
brought into Newburyport, laden with provisions, destined for Bos- 
ton. On the morning of the same day, a British ship appeared off 
Newbury bar. As she lay off and on, several miles from the land, 
shewing English colors, and tacking often, the wind being easterly, 
with appearance of a storm, it was conjectured by some persons 
who observed her from town, that the captain had mistaken Ipswich 
bay, for that of Boston, which was then in possession of the British. 
On this supposition, several individuals determined to proceed to 
sea, and make a closer examination. Accordingly, seventeen per- 
sons embarked, in three whale boats, and, as they approached the 
ship, being satisfied, by the movements on board, that they were 
right in their conjectures, they determined to offer their services as 
pilots. For this purpose, they rowed within speaking distance, 
when captain Offin Boardman, whom they had previously selected 
to act as commodore of their little fled, hailed the ship, inquiring 
whence she came and where bound. The answer was, from Lon- 
don, bound to Boston, with the inquiry, whore are you from, and 
what land is this? The reply was, from Boston, do you want a 
pilot? Being answered in the afhrmativo, he told them to heave 
the ship to, and he would come on board. This being immediately 
done, his boat was rowed to the ship's gangway, and he, passing 
up, unarmed, proceeded to the quarter deck, shook hands with the 
captain, inquiring his passage, the news from London, and so forth, 



252 HISTORY OF NEWiililY. 

by which time, those in the boats had reached the deck, with their 
arms, and were paraded across the gangway, most of the crew 
being forward. Captain Boardman then left the quarter deck, and, 
to the great surprise of the English captain, and his crew, ordered 
the ship's colors struck. This order, the English captain told his 
mate, he supposed he must obey. He then observed to his captors, 
that the ship and cargo were their own, but, at the same time, hoped 
that neither he nor his crew would receive any injury. 

Thus, by a coiTcct conjecture in regard to the ship's situation, 
and a well managed finesse in making their approach, they found 
themselves in quiet possession of a ship, mounting four carriage 
guns, a crew of nearly their own number, and containing fifty-two 
chaldrons of coals, eighty-six butts and thirty hogsheads of porter, 
twenty hogsheads of vinegar, sixteen hogsheads of sour crout, and 
twenty-three live hogs, intended for the use of the troops quartered 
in Boston. Having placed the officers and crew under safe keep- 
ing, and having a fair wind and tide, they arrived at the wharf, in 
Newburyport, in less than six hours from the conmiencement of 
their expedition. The ship was called the Friends, was owned in 
London, and commanded by captain Arcliibald Bowie. 

The only names of those wlio composed the party in the whale 
boats, which can be ascertained with certainty, are, Otfin Boardman, 
Joseph Stanwood, John Coombs, Gideon WoodwcU, Enoch Hale, 
Johnson Lunt, and Culfing Liint. Tt ought to be mentioned, that 
another company manned the town barge, and proceeded down 
river on the same design, but, starting at a later hour, met the ship 
within the bar, on her way up to the wharf. These two vessels, 
the brig Sukey, and the ship Friends, were the first jmzes brought 
into Newbufyport. Caplains Bowie and Engs, boarded for some 
time at Davenport's tavern. The former returned to England, 
while the latler concluded to t^lay in New England, and afterward 
commanded a privateer from Newburyport. 

The preceding information is derived from various sources, but 
principally from a communication from Benjamin Hale, esquire, 
postmaster of Newburyport, whose father was one of the party who 
captured the ship. 

Fcbrnarij IG//1. The Yankee Hero, captain , took, and 

brouglit into Newburyport, a bark of three hundred tons, loaded 
with coal, ))ork, and flour. 

MarcJi 1st. The Yankee Hero, captain Thomas, lirought into 
Newburyport brig Nelly, captain Robinson, from White Haven, 
bound to Boston, having two hundred tons of coal, and ten tons 
of potatoes. 

March. Villi. A committee, consisting of Daniel Spoll'ord, Eli- 
phalet Spoflord, Thomas Noyes, Joseph Brown, and Daniel Chttte, 
petition the governor and council, to be restored to the second regi- 
ment, and conclude by saying, ' that yoiu' petitioners congratulate 
themselves that the military arrangement is now in the hands of a 
goverament, which will })ay a sacred regard to justice and the honor 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 253 

of a soldier, which ought ever to remain inviolate, for insult and 
disgrace damp his spirits, blast his vigor and unnerve his arm,' and 
so forth. 

April 9th. Edmund Sawyer chosen town clerk. 

^ April 22d. Council determined the regiment composed of the 
towns of Newburijporl, Amesbury and Salisbury sh;ill take rank as 
the second regiment.' So far, therefore, as it respected Newbury, 
the petition was not granted. 

May St/i. Newburyport voted to erect a fort on Plum island, and, 
May sLxteenth, voted to hire a sum, not execeding foiir thousand 
pounds, to defray the expense, and, on Rlay twenty-third, Newbury 
appropriated two hundred pounds for the same piupose. 

3Iai/ 27th. Newbury voted to instruct their representatives ' that 
they after having seriously weighed the state and case of indepen- 
dence, act their best judgment and prudence respecting the same.' 

31(11/ Sl.tf. ' Newburyport ' voted that if the honorable congress 
should for the safety of the united colonies, declare them indepen- 
dent of ttie kingdom of Great Britain, this town will with their lives 
and fortunes support them in the measure.' 

June lilt. The Yankee Hero, captain James Tracy, had an en- 
gagement with the Milford frigate, of twenty-eight guns. It lasted 
near two hours, but, as the frigate was vastly superior in force, the 
Hero struck. 

July 14///. Ml'. Oliver Moody was drowned from a wharf. 

July 19//f. The declaration of independence was published in 
Newburyport, and, on the same day, died the reverend Jonathan 
Parsons, in his seventy-first year. 

'■Aug^ist Will. Independency read in all the meeting houses.' * 

In August, there was a state fast. 

In the Newburyport town records, September second, I find tlie 
following, in the handwriting of Nicholas Pike, esquire, town clerk. 

' This meeting was illegal, because the venire for calling it was 
in the name of the British tyrant, whose name all America justly 
execrates.' 

1777. 

March 24th. Town of Newbury this day put it to vote, ' to see 
if the town would settle in the seventh regiment of militia and it 
passed in the negative,' notwithstanding it was stated in the warning 
that 'a speedy seUlemcnt of the militia is a matter of the greatest 
importance to our political salvation.'' This refusal to do military 
duty in the soventh regiment, to which they had been degraded by 
governor Bernard, in March, 1766, as has been mentioned, the sol- 
diers of Newbury continued lo manifest, throughout the whole of 
the revolutionary contest. The consequence of this refusal, was, 
an entire absence of all military subordination, so far as regimental 

♦ S. Horton's journal. 



2o4 HISTORY OF NKWBUKY. 

masters, and so forth, were concerned. This arose, not from any 
unwillingness to serve their country, but from a resolute determina- 
tion, not to train under any olficers, till they should be restored to 
their former rank, as soldiers of tlie second, and not the seventh reg- 
iment. This restoration was eftected about the year 1793. This 
caused tlie duty wiiicli would otherwise have devolved on tlie militia 
officers, to be performed by tlie selectmen, and is, periiaps, the only 
instance in the state, where the selectmen were obliged to perform 
such a service. 

Mai/ 21st. The town of Newburyport voted ' to impower Jona- 
than Boardman to procure and exhibit the evidence tjiat may be 
had of the inimical disposition of any person or persons towards 
this, or any of tlie United States,' and, on June thirtieth, the town of 
Newbury chose Sanuiel Noyes, to do the same service. 

June 29th. The Hessian prisoners came to town. 

June 30th. Town of Newburyport ' voted to allow the soldiers 
stationed at Plum island candles, and sweetening for their beer.' 

Aug-Hst. Some time this month, the old church, called ciueen 
Anne's chapel, having been unoccupied as a meeting-house after 
17(36, fell down. It was on the sabbath, a calm and sultry day. 
The pews and galleries had been removed some time before, and 
other parts had disappeai-ed, piece by piece, till there was not 
enough left to hold the frame togethiT. 

^Aiig-iist 2lst. Captain William Friend in a sixteen gun sliip, 
called the Neptune, built in Mr. Cross's yard, sailed, and, when 
about a league from the bar, overset and sunk in sixteen fathoms of 
water, having on board sixty hands, only one drowned.' * 

'■October 22d. Great numbers of cannon were fired on account 
of Burgoyne's defeat, wiiich was October seventeenth, and on De- 
cember twenty-eiglith a thanksgiving throughout tlie United States, 
on the same account.' * 

1778. 

Februury 12th. Newbury voted, ncm. con., ' we the inhabitants 
of the town of Newbury do hereby give our representatives instruc- 
tions to acquiesce in and comply with the articles of confederation, 
as we have received them i'rom the honorable continental congress.' 

March 2Gth. The town of Newburyport ' voted that this town 
are of opinion that the mode of representation contained in the 
constitution lately proposed by the convention of this state, is une- 
qual and unjust, as thereby all the inhabitants of this state are not 
equally represented, and that some other parts of the same consti- 
tution are not founded on the true princijiles of government ; and 
that a convention of the several towns of this county by their dele- 
gates, will have a probable tendency to reform the same agreeably 
to the natural rights of mankind and the true principles of govern- 
iinent.' 

* Mr. Samuel Horton's diary. 



HISTORY OF NEWBTIRV. 255 

' Voted thai the selectmen be desired, in belialf and in the name 
of the town, to wTite circular letters to the several towns within the 
county, proposing a convention of those towns, by their delegates 
to be holden at such time and place as the selectmen shall ihinlc 
proper: in said circular letters to propose to eacii of the towns 
aforesaid, to send the like number of delegates to said convenlion, 
as the same towns have by law right to send representatives to tlie 
general court.' 

' Accordingly the most eminent citizens of this ancient and lead- 
ing county assembled at Ipswich and instituted an elaborate exam- 
ination of the intended constitution, which was printed with the 
title of the Essex Result. The etlect of this pamphlet, which is at- 
tributed to the mighty mind of Theopliilus Parsons, [a native of 
Newbury,] then resident in Newburyport, was perfectly decisive of 
the question. The town unanimously voted to reject the proposed 
form of government; and suggested the expediency of calling a 
new convention for the sole purpose of framing a constitution more 
worthy of Massachusetts.' * 

March '^Oth. Town of Newbiu-y voted to gTant the petition of 
several of the inhabitants of the 'westerly part of the town, who 
are desirous of being set off into a separate township.' 

From Maich tenth, 1777, to August twenty-second, 1778, the 
town of Newbury passed, considered, and reconsidered, many voles 
respecting inoculation for the small pox, and were much divided 
and excited on the siibject. A hospital was for some time kept, on 
Kent's island, but, on August twenty-second, the town voted to pe- 
tition that ' the small pox maybe discontinued in Newbury by inoc- 
ulation.' 

December 30//;. Thanksgiving through the United States. 

1 779. 

March 9lh. The town voted that 'the unanimous thanks of the 
town be given to Samuel Moody esquire for his generous donation 
of one hundred pounds at this time, and of twenty pounds some 
time past for the piu-pose of a growing fund for a grammar school 
being kept in the town for the instruction of youth.' 

Jul// 25th. An armament, consisting of twenty sail, besides 
twenty-four transports, appeared off Penobscot, destined to dislodge 
the enemy, but proved exceedingly disastrous. The Pallas, Sky 
Rocket, and so forth, sailed from Newburyport. Colonel Moses 
Little, of Newbiiry, was at first appointed to command the expedi- 
tion, but declined, on account of ill health. ' August fifteenth, 
British recruits came to Penobscot. American forces ran up river 
and burned their own shipping.' f 

In this year, the business of chaise making was introduced into 
Newbiuy, by James Burgess. The first regular Imilders, were Na- 

* Cushing's history of Newburyport. f S. Horlon's journeil. 



256 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

thaniel and Abner Greenleaf. In Belleville, the business was com- 
menced by iSamuel (rreenleaf, in 1792, by Joseph Ridgway, in 
1793, by Robert Dodge, in 1795, and by Samuel Rogers, in 1796. 

November \ith. ' The town of Newbury voted unanimously 
that they approve of and accept the proceedings of the late conven- 
tion held at Concord in October regulating the prices of merchandise 
and country produce.' 

This alludes to an unavailing attempt, to fix a price on labor, 
provisions, and ail kinds of commodities, by legislative enactments. 
In the preceding year, the general com't had passed, from the best 
of motives, ' an act to prevent monopoly and oppression,' and the 
towns of Nevdjury and Newburyport, had, in pursuance of this act, 
adopted and pablished a scale of prices, aliixed to all the articles 
they had for sale, and also all Idnds of labor. These prices were 
never to be exceeded. No imported goods, except hemp and war- 
like stores, should be sold at more than two hundred and fifty pounds 
sterling, on one hundred pounds prime cost, and no retailer shoidd 
make an advance of more than twenty per centum on the wliolesalo 
price. All these regulations, were, of coiirsc, entirely futile, as they 
could not be enforced. They were therefore abamloned. Tlie 
price of cotton, for instance, was established at ' tlu'ee shillings per 
pound by the bag and three shillings and c'ightpence by tiie single 
pound. Barbers, once shaving threepence. Dinner boiled and 
roasted without wine one shilling and sLxpence. Supper or break- 
fast one shilling. Lodging fourpenee.' A pound of cotton, would, 
at this time, purciiase two dinners, one night's lodging, once shaving, 
and leave one penny overplus. IIow many pounds of ';otton would 
it take now, 1845, to procure the same amount ? 

December 9t/i. Thanlisgiving in all the states.* 

December loth. Eartluiuake very loud abou' half past eleven 
o'clock.* 

Some time this year, a wolf came into captain Israel and Lijjho 
Adams's yard, and kiUed live sheep. He was killed by Moses Ad- 
ams. No wolf has since been seen in Newbury. 



1 780. 

The winter of 17S0, was unusually severe. For forty days, thirty- 
one of which were the month of March, there was no perceptible 
thaw on the southerly side of any house, and so deep and hard was 
the snow, that loaded teams passed over walls and fences, in any 
direction. 

Miirc/i. The constitution of Massachusetts was framed. The 
first article in the declaration of rights, is, ' all men are born free 
and equal.' This was inserted, with the intent, and for the purpose, 
of entirely abolishing slavery. Prior to the revolution, several slaves 

* S. llortoii's journal. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 257 

had sued tlieir masters for detaining tliem in slavery, one in Cam- 
bridge, in 1770, and one in Newbm-yport, Cffisar against his master, 
Richard Greenleat', in September, 1773. In aU these cases, the 
courts decided in favor of the slave. In 1781, a case occurred in 
Worcester, in which the supreme federal court decided, that slavery 
was abolished by the constitution. 

Mai) 2dt/i. The committee of twenty-five choscu on the fifteenth 
instant, made their report concerning 'the frame of government 
now offered to the people and the town after proposing a lew amend- 
ments and adopting nearly every article, unanimously conclude by 
saying, ' they have such a sense of the excellency of the constitution 
in genertd, that if the amendments proposed cannot be obtained, 
they are of opinion that the constitution be accepted in its present 
form.' ' * 

Newburyport held a meeting on the same subject, and, after pro- 
posing amendments, conclude by saying, ' esteeming it in general 
a wise and good one ; the town do vole and declare thek approba- 
tion of the same in its present form.' f 

'May \9th. This day the most remarkable in the memory of man for dark- 
ness. For a week or ten days the air had been very thick and heavy, which 
made the sun look uncommonly red. On the morninjr of the nineteenth the 
sun was visible for a short time very early, but was soon overcast and very black 
clouds were seen to rise suddenly and very fast from the west, the wind what 
there was of it (tho' hardly enouah to move the leaves on the trees) at south west. 
The foreraentioned clouds mixinn; with the vast quantities of smoke, occasioned 
by a general burning of the woods, caused, in the opinion of many this unusual 
alarming darkness, which began about twenty minutes before eleven o'clock A. 
M. and lasted the whole day, tho' not equally dark all the time. It was the 
darkest from about tw"elve to one o'clock. Afterwards there was a larger plin at 
the horizon, which made it somewhat lighter. It was however at the liizhtest. 
darker. I think than a moordight night. The sky had a strange yellowish ana 
sometimes reddish appearance. The night following- was tho darkest I remem- 
ber to have .seen, till about midnight, when a small breeze sprung up from the 
north or north west, upon which it soon began to grow light. At Falmouth, 
Casco bay, it was not dark at all. Upon Piscataqua river, Berwick, Dover, and 
so forth, it was very rainy, (very little of which we had here, which fell a little 
before it began to grow dark) but not uncommonly dark, as I am told by a per- 
son, who travelled there that day. I hear of the darkness as far as Danbury in 
Connecticut. It did not extend to North river. The foreraentioned darkness 
was no doubt occasioned by an unusual concurrence of several natural causes, 
but to pretend fully and clearly to account for it, argues perhaps too great confi- 
dence.' Bishop Edward Bass's manuscripts. 

In the memoirs of the American academy, I find the following. 
' Candles were lighted up in the houses ; the buds having sung their 
evening songs disappeared and became silent; the (owls retired to 
roost; the cocks were crowing all around, as at breaU of day ; ob- 
jects could not be distinguished but at very little distance and every 
thing bore the appearance and gloom of night.' On account of the 
remarlcablo darkness, it is still called ' the dark day.' 

November IStli, twelve o'clock at night, there was an eartiiquake. 

* Newbury town record?. t Town records. 

33 



258 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

December 1th. Thanksgiving in all Ihe states. 

September. Tills month, the most flagxant instance of treachery 
that occurred during the revolutionary war, was discovered, by the 
apprehension of Major Andre, a British oHicer, who was executed 
as a spy, October second. The treachery was, an attempt, by gen- 
eral Arnold, to deliver up West Point to the enemy. From a jour- 
nal kept by a Newbury soldier, I extract the following. ' September 
twenty-fourtli. Pleasant weather, hard duty, poor beef. Our men 
are not allowi'd but six cartridges per man but good barracks. 
Twonty-fiith, pleasant weather. This day aljout one o'clock general 
"Washington, general Knox, marquis La Fayette came to West 
Point to talve a view of the fort. They stayed about two hours, 
and then left the point. We had thirteen pieces of cannon dis- 
charged. This night j\j-nold's ])lot was discovered. He had news 
of tlie British ollicer being taken. He told his wife he was a dead 
man. He took his horse and rode to the feny as soon as he could 
to his barge, wlien he made the best of his way to a British ship. 
The ship made the best of her way to York, lie carried off John 
Brown and Samuel Pilsbury of our company. September twenty- 
sixth. This morning at one o'clock we manned our lines and got 
in readiness for action. Each man received twenty rounds. This 
morning at three o'clock colonel Meigs's regiment of continental 
troops arrived. Twenty-seventh. This day making ready to receive 
the enemy as soon as they come. This night lay on our arms. 
Large piquet out.' ^ 

1781. 

In .January, captain William Friend was cast away on Boon 
island, and drowned, with six men. 

March 12th. Newburyport ' voted that the selectmen be directed 
to cause one of the bells to be rung at one of the clock in the day 
and at nine of the clock at night during the ensuing year.' 

1782. 

February. A Newburyport vessel, captain Calef, from the West 
Indies, was cast away on Plum island. Seven hands were lost, in 
consequence of leaving the vessel, and three saved by staying on 
board. 

^March ISth. Town of Newburyport voted to accept of Union 
street and Fair street as laid out and that the same be recorded.' 

March 28th. Green street ditto. 

'Jiwie 2'M. Mr. Edward Burbcck, formerly of Salem, was this 
day, sabbath afternoon, instantly killed by lightning,' while standing 
near a clock in his chamber. The house in which he died, stood 
on the spot, now occupied by IMessrs. Richard and Daniel S. 
Tenny's house. 

* Joshua Davis's journal. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 259 

August 9th. Rlr. Nathaniel Tracy's new house, old dwelling 
house, and barn, were consumed by hre. 



1783. 

'Febniari/ 20lh. No snow on the gi-ound, which is as dry as 
summer.' 

March 12th. Newburyport accepted of Orange street as laid out. 

September 3d. On this day, a treaty of peace was signed, at 
Paris, between Great Britain and the United States, by David 
Hartley and John Adams, esquires, and, on October thirteenth, 
congress issued a proclamation for disbanding the army. 

November 29th. There was a small earthquake, 

December SOth. Notice was given in the ])ublic journal, that two 
beacons had been erected on Plum island, for the benefit of vessels. 



1784. 

^March \Qth. Newburyport voted to build a new work house, 
where the present work house stands, unless they can procure a 
more suitable place.' 

April 1th. Reverend Oliver Noble was dismissed from his church 
and parish, at his own request. 

'/«/// 1th. Daniel Berry of Chester and Nathaniel Ober of 
Wenham, were drowned at Newbury bridge by the upsetting of a 
wherry.' 

July 11th. General Jonathan Titcomb was chosen naval officer 
for this year. 

This summer, there was a severe drought. 

The bridge over the river Parker, which was biult in 1758, under 
the direction of Mr. Ralph Cross, was this year repaired. It is eight 
hundred and seventy feet long, twenty-six feet wide, has nine solid 
piers, and eight wooden arches. 

^November 26th. A twelve hours' storm raised the highest tide 
within the memory of the oldest man.' 



1785. 

May 13///. The, town of Newburyport petitioned the general 
court as follows, namely : 

'That in the years 1775 and 1776 the said town in order to guard 
and defend themselves and the neighbouring towns from the appre- 
hended invasions and attacks of the enemy then infesting the sea 
coasts, and making depredations on the maritime towns of the state, 
prepared and sunk a number of piers in the channel of IMerrimac 
river, near the mouth thereof; they have also built a fort on the 
Salisbury side of said river and another fort on Plum island near 



260 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

the entrance of the harbor ; they constructed a floating battery, built 
a barge and made a number of gun carriages: (lie wiiole expense 
whereof amounted to the sum of two thousand, four hundred and 
thirty-three pounds, eiglit shillings and two pence.' 

The petilion concludes as follows. 

' And as your ]jetilioners are still laboring under a very heavy 
debt, contracted for the general service and defence of the countiy 
during the late war, and in addition thereto have been paying inter- 
est for the whole sum above mentioned, and are still paying interest 
for the same, they pray that your honors will be pleased as soon as 
possible to take the premises into your wise consideration, and order 
the aforementioned sum to be paid them out of the public treasury, 
and thus far relieve them under their distresses.' 

Signed by the selectmen, 'by order and in behalf of the town of 
Newburyport.' 

Ajiril Vit.h. Merrimac river passable on the ice. April sixteenth, 
snow two feet dee]), and frozen so hard, as to bear cattle, and, on 
the nineteenth, a snow storm. 

October 2lsl. A Dutch ship, bound from Amsterdam to New 
York, was cast away on Plum island. Crew saved, vessel and 
cargo lost. 

November IGth. Robert Laird and .Tames Ferguson, adverlise 
that ihey have established a brewery opposite Somerby's landing. 



1 786. 

Junvdri/ 9lh. In the morning an earthquake. 

Juli/ Uth. Mr. Stephen Gemsh had his skull fractured, and ]\L-. 
Samuel Kezcr, his limbs, by the falling of some rocks, while stoning 
Mr. Oliver Putnam's, now the Messrs. Ilsleys', well, which was im- 
mediately covered, and so remained till August twelfth, when jMr. 
Abraham Thurlow, on descending it, fell to the bottom, and expired 
before he could be rescued. His death was occasioned by the foul 
air in the well. 

December &h. A slight shock of an earthquake, at a (juarter 
past four, P. M. 

This year is rendered memorable, by an insurrection, in the west- 
ern part of Massachusetts, headed by Daniel Shays. One company, 
fifty-five in all, commanded by captain Edward Longfellow, went 
from Newbury. They enlisted for sixty days, and left home Decem- 
ber twelfth. Two of the company are still living — ^deacon Moses 
Brown, and Silas Moulton, West Newbury. 

Noi:cmber 14/A. The town of Newbiny 'voted to settle the 
militia in said town, provided that theij be sfij/ed the independent 
regiment.^ 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 261 



178' 



' The west wind blew steadily from November thirtieth 1786 to 
IMarch twentieth of this year with only four slight interruptions.'* 

This year, the Hessian fly, so destructive to wheat, made its first 
appearance in New England, entering Connecticut from New York.*^ 

April itk. This day, there was a ' spinning match ' at the house 
of the reverend Mr. Murray, to whom were given two hundred and 
thirty-six skeins of thread and yarn. The meeting was in the ' par- 
sonage house, every apartment of which,' says the Essex Journal, 
w-as full. The music of the spinning wheel resounded from every 
room. It was U-uly a pleasing sight. fSome spinning, some reeling, 
some cai-ding the cotton, some combing the flax. The labors of the 
day were concluded about five o'clock. Public worship was attend- 
ed, and a discovu-se defivered by the pastor, from Exodus 3-5 : 25. 
*And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands.' 

3Iaij loth. Town of Newburyport voted, that ' Fish street' shall 
hereafter be called ' State street.' 

This year, congress made a grant for lights on Plum island, and, 
on September fifteenth, Newburj'port granted permission to AYilliam 
Bartlet, and others, to appoint a man to five on Plum island, to take 
care of the fort. 

September 17th. Federal constitution unanimously accepted. 



1788. 
From the Essex Jom-nal I transcribe the following, namely : 

^Newburyport, February I3th, 1788. On Thursdar last we had the pleasing 
account of the ratification of the new constitution by the convention of this coni- 
monweahh. A general joy difl'used itself throujih all ranks of people in this 
to\vn on this glorious news. We heartily congratulate our readers on this aus- 
picious event, rendered peculiarly happy in the prospect it affords that our sister 
state of New Hampshire, whose interests and whose dispositions are so similar 
to our own, will have an additional inducement to add a seventh pillar to the 
great federal edifice already so far advanced. 

' On Friday afternoon the principal gentlemen of the trade and officers of the 
militia of the town, being informed that the delegates from this town and New- 
bury were on their way home, and being disposed to show some mark of their 
satisfaction at the adoption of the constitution, and of their warm approbation 
of the conduct of those honorable and worthy gentlemen in convention, met 
them at Newbury green, and escorted them into town, where they were received 
amidst the acclamations of a numerous collection of their applauding fellow- 
citizens.' 

This year, a deer was tracked from Ash street, in west Newbury, 
to cape Ann woods, by Messrs. Silas Moulton and Abraham Adams, 
who were unable to find him. In the same year, the same persons 
killed one hundred and eighty common foxes, and two silver gray 
foxes. 

» Dwight's travels. 



262 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

March 26l/i. ' Kent street was allowed and approved as laid out,' 
by the town of Newburyport. 

1 789. 

October 2Slh. The town of Newburyport this day held a meet- 
ing, to make suitable arrangements for the reception of the president 
of the United Slates, general George Washington. They published 
a handbill, commencing thus : 

'Newburyport, October ISth, 1789. 
' As this town is on Friday next to be honored with a visit from ' the man who 
unites all hearts.' the illustrious president of the United States, the 
inhabitants thereof this day in town meeting assembled, have agreed to the 
following order of procession.' 

Here follow the names of thirty-five classes of persons, with di- 
rections as to the manner in which the procession should move. 
From the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet, of November 
fourth, I make the following extract. 

'Newburyport, November ith. Friday last the beloved president of the 
United States made his entry into this town ; and never did a person appear 
here, who more largely shared the alfection and esteem of its citizens. He 
was escorted here by two Companies of Cavalry, from Ipswich and Andover, 
Marshall Jackson, the High Sheriff of the County of Esse.x, the Honorable 
Tristram Dalton, Esquire, IMajor General Titcomb, and a number of other 
officers, as well as several gentlemen from this and some neighbouring towns. 
On his drawing near, he was saluted with thirteen discharges from the Artillery, 
after which, a number of young gentlemen placed themselves before him, and 
sang as follows : 

' He comes ! He comes ! The hero comes ! 

Sound, sound your Trumpets, beat, beat your Drums ; 

From Port, to Port, let Cannons roar, 

He 's welcome to New-England's shore. 

Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome, 

Welcome to New-England's shore ! 

' Prepare ! Prepare ! your Songs prepare, 
Loud, loudly rend the echoing air: 
From Pole to Pole, his praise resound, 
For Virtue is with glory crown'd. 

Virtue, virtue, virtue, virtue. 

Virtue is with Glory crown'd ! ' 

' The lines in the first verse, which call for the beating of drums and roaring 
of cannon, were instantly obeyed after the pronunciation of each word ; and to 
the vocal was joined all the instrumental music in both choruses, which were 
repeated : — Then the president, preceded by the several companies of Militia 
and Artillery of this town, the Musicians, Selectmen, High Sheritf, and Mar- 
shall Jackson, passed the Ministers. Physicians, Lawyers, Magistrates, Town- 
officers, Marine Society, Tradesmen and Manufacturers, Captains of Vessels, 
Sailors, School-masters, with their Scholars, and so forth, and so forth, who had 
paraded and opened to the right and left for that purpose, each of whom, as the 
president passed, closed and joined in procession, which was terminated by 
about four hundred and twenty Scholars, all with Quills in their hands, headed 
by their Preceptors — Their motto, ' We are the free-born subjects of the United 
States.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 263 

'After the PRESIDENT had arrived at the house prepared lor his reception, a 
Feu-de-joy was fired by the several companies of Militia ; and in the evening 
some Fire-works and excellent Rockets were played oH opposite thereto. Much 
praise is due to the citizens of Newbury-port, and others, assembled on the oc- 
ca-sion, for their orderly behaviour through tlie day and evening. 

' Saturday morning the president sat out for Porlsmoulh under the same 
escort which conducted him to this town, to which were added, a largo number 
of military and other gentlemen of Newbury-port. who accompanied him to 
the line of New- Hampshire, where he was met by his Excellency General 
Sullivan, President of the State of New- Hampshire, with four companies of 
Light-horse, who conducted him to Portsmouth. 

'The president passed through the towns of Amesbury and Salisbury, 
where several companies of JMilitia were paraded, which saluted as he passed. 

' The Marine- Society of this town prepared and decorated a handsome Barge, 
for the purpose of carrying the president across Blerrimack River, which was 
previously sent (commanded by one of the society) opposite to Amesbury Ferry, 
whore it waited his arrival. The Barge-men were all dressed in whit(!. 

' On the president's crossing the river at Amesbur}', he was paid, by Captain 
Joseph A. de Murrietta, of Teneriffe. the Salute of his Nation, (twenty-one guns) 
his ship being elegantly dressed. We cannot but admire, among the many ami- 
able traits in the president's character, that of his politeness to Foreigners, 
which was repeated on this occasion. 

' Soon after the president's arrival in this town, he was presented with the 
following Address. 

' To the President of (he United States. 

' Sir : When, by the unanimous suffrages of your countrymen, you were 
called to preside over their public councils, the citizens of the town of Newbu- 
ry-port participated in the general joy, that arose from anticipating an adminis- 
tration conducted by the man, to whose wisdom and valor they owed their 
liberties. 

' Pleasing were their reflections, that he. who. bv the blessing of Heaven, had 
given them their independence, would again relinquish the felicities of domes- 
tic retirement, to teach them its just value. 

' They have seen you, victorious, leave the field, followed with the applauses 
of a grateful country ; and they now see you, entwining the Olive with the 
Laurel, and, in peace, giving security and happiness to a people, whom in war, 
you covered with glory. 

' At the present moment, they indulge themselves in sentiments of joy, result- 
ing from a principle, perhaps less elevated, but, exceedingly dear to their hearts, 
from a gratification of their affection, in beholding personally among them, the 
Friend, the Benefactor, and the Father of their country. 

' They cannot hope, Sir, to exhibit any peculiar marks of attachment to your 
person ; for, could they express their feelings of the most ardent and sincere 
gratitude, they would only repeat the sentiments, which are deeply impressed 
upon the hearts of all their fellow-citizens: but. in justice to themselves, they 
beg leave to assure you, that, in no part of the United States, are those senti- 
ments of gratitude and affection more cordial and animated, than in the town, 
which, at this time, is honored with your presence. 

' Long, Sir, may you continue the ornament and support of these States, and 
may the period be late, when you shall be called to receive a reward, adequate 
to your virtues, which it is not in the power of your country to bestow.' 

' To the foregoing Address the president was pleased to reply as follows. 

' To the Citizens of the town of Newbury-port. 

'Gentlemen: The demonstrations of respect and affection which you are 
plea.sed to pay to an individual, whose highest pretension is to rank as your 
fellow-citizen, are of a nature too distinguished not to claim the warmest return 
that gratitude can make. 



2(54 HISTORY OF JSEWBURY. 

<Mv euJeuvoms to be useful to my country have been no ™o^«*an the result 

laeiits and their merit. ^ Washington.' 

IVHidcnl Washington came into town, oyer the river Parker 
briJoe. On reaching the upper green, he leil Ins carnage, ad 

1 omiled hi< liorse. At South street, he was stopped, and the pie- 
c d t ^ do s ng. He was then escorted to Newburyport where 
he eS^iv'ed the address, which was m-itten by Joh.t Qutncy Adams, 
then a tudent at law, in the office of Theophilus Parsons, esqmre 
who hud been appointed by the town of Ne.baryport to pt^pure rt 
^November mi This has been a day ot much ammatton, ior 

carriages and foot people. have been con.stantly passing to see a 

whale" which some tishermen found at sea and towed up to Old 

town bridge.' * It was about sixty feet long. 

17 9 0. 

Wording to the census this year, Newbury had five hundred 
an 1 thirty-eight houses, seven hundred and twenty-three farndies, 
and three thousand, nine hundred, and .eventy-two inl^^bitant. 

Newbm-vport had six hundred and sixteen houses, nme mche 
and thirty-nine famiUes, and fom- thousand, eight l^J^'f^^ ^f \^;'; 
tv-seven inhabitants, At this time, the ^wn owned six slpsioy 
five bri-antines, thirty-nine schooners, and twenty-eight sloops. 
Total, eleven thousand, eight hundred and seventy tons^ 

In fills year, only four chaises were owned m the fiis p.rr i ot 
Newbury; and were in the possession ol the revei^nd f;l|" J^^^'^"' 
mfis T.lttle esquire, Silas Pearson, and deacon Daniel Hale. 

M.;c/r9r^ NeUuryport voted to build a school-house about 
fiiu-ty feet by forty, ' near the hay scales.' 

April. John Wheelwright was drowned from a vessel at the 

'''^Stephen Cross was fills year appointed collector, Jonathan Tit- 
comb 'naval officer, tuid Michael Hodge surveyor of the poit ol 
Newburyport. 

1791. 

BLurh 22,1. Newburyport voted to accept the following report. 

■ The eommittee have supposed it necessary, and th(.rerore 'rP°;|^^l'^;^J:;^ 
or lour women's schools shall be opened m some rooms lured ioi the purp , 

* Miss Alice Tuckoi's iliaiy. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 265 

at convenient di.stances from each other, in clifTerent parts of the town : anH that 
some well instructed school dames shall be appointed for each to take charge 
of the younger classes of the female children, to learn them good manners, and 
proper decency of behaviour, and to teach them their letters how to put (hem 
together in syllables, to learn them to spell, and finally to read with clearness 
and precisiorv any chapter in the bible. To these instructions perhaps may be 
well added, where the parents shall desire it, the teaching plain or cominoQ 
needle work and knitting.' April, 1790. 

The scholars were to be between five and nine years of age. 

June 1st. Nathaniel Carter, of Newburyport, and eight others, 
petition for liberty to build a bridge over Merrimac river, at Deer 
island. June ihirteenlh, order of notice was given. 

June and July. A canal, one mile and a quarter long, to connect 
two rivers, was dug, to promote inland navigation between New- 
buryport and Hampton, New Hampshire. 

In October of this year, a bear was seen in Bradford woods. 
On Salurday night, he visited the west parish in Newbury, crossed 
IlsUy's hill, and was killed, on sabbath morning, by Amos Emery, 
on Emery's hill. 

November Ath. Town of Newbury opposed building of a bridge 
over the Memmac river, at Deer island, and, on November thirtieth, 
reconsidered that vote, and, on December fifteenth, reconsidered 
their reconsideration, and instructed their representative to oppose it. 

From May twenty-fifth, 1790, to November nineteenth, 1791, the 
number of vessels cleared from Newburyport, was one hundred and 
seventy-nine. 

In the Newburyport Herald, of January twelfth of this year, I 
find an account of the establishment of Sunday schools in Philadel- 
phia, by some benevolent persons in the city, with this comment. 
' Pity iheir benevolence did not extend so far as to.afford them tuition 
on days when it is lawful to follow such pursuits, and not thereby 
lay a foundation for the profanation of the sabbath.' 



1 792. 

Jamiarij 9th. Town of Newbury sent a long remonstrance to 
the general court, against the erection of a bridge over JMerrimac 
river. 

May \Olh. 'Newburyport voted not to have arithmetic in the 
two extremes of the town, but in the centre grammar school only.' 

May \Glh. Newburyport again voted to send a petition to the 
general court, praying ' that the town may be reimbursed the expen- 
ces of sinking piers, building a fort,' and so forth. 

September lOtli. Town of Newburyport ' voted not to grant the 
petition of Anthony !\Iors and others requesting leave to make use 
of the town house for the reverend Charles W. Milton to preach in.' 

November 26lh. On this day, Essex Merrimac bridge was 
opened for the public. ' It consisted in fact of two bridges resting 
on Deer island in the midst of the river.' It was, when finished, 
34 



266 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

one thousand and thirty feet long, thirty-four wide; lieight of arch 
above high water mark, thirty-seven feet, and contained six tliousand 
tons of timber. It was built in seven months, under the direction 
of Mr. Timothy Palmer, of Newburyport, a native of Boxford. 



1793. 

March. A cod fish was sold in Newburyport, weighing ninety- 
eight pounds, five feet and a half in length, and girth at tlie thickest 
place, three feet four inches. 

April 1st. Newburyport ' voted to build a new work house.' 

Blaij 1th. Newbury ' voted that no person be allowed to put a 
seine, hedge, weir, or drag net into the river Parker at any season 
for the purpose of fishing for, or catching of, any bass, shad or ale- 
wives in said river, and that no person catch any of said fish with 
a dip net or any other way from December first to April first.' 

Marrh 12th. Reverend John MmTay died. 

.Ttiae llth, 1793. A meeting-house was this day raised, sixty- 
seven feel by sixty, in Temple street, for a society gathered by tlie 
labors of the reverend Charles W. Milton. 

Ml/ Afh. ' This day,' says the Essex Journal, ' Timothy Dexter 
delivered an oration at Essex Memmac bridge, which for elegance 
of style, propriety of speech, and force of argument, was truly 
Ciceronian.' ! ! 

Jiili/ iilh. The town of Ipswich was visited by a severe hail 
storm, which broke, in a few moments, four thousand, nine hundred 
and forty-six panes of glass. Many of the stones were as large as 
hens' eggs. 

October ISth. "Captain Timothy Newman, of Boston, son of 
doctor John Newman, of Newburyport, was taken by an Algerine 
corsair, chained, handcutfcd, and allowed nothing but bread and 
water. 

In December, doctor William B. Leonard offers his services, as 
a physician, to the good people of Newburyport. He states, that 
he has been a physician thirty-live years, and that 'a kind Providence 
has enabled him to spring out of the iron cliains of tyranny, horror, 
devastation and murder to the only siunmit of liberty under the sun 
and where the diadem of a despot was hurled down to the bottom- 
less abyss.' ! ! 

This year, a hospital was built, in common pasture, by Newbury- 
port, in which the inhabitants were admitted, by classes, in order to 
be inoculated for the small pox, under the care of doctor Charles 
Collin, junior. 

August 7th. Newburyport ' voted unanimously that in the opin- 
ion of this town the neutrality of the United States during the war 
now waged by the several belligerent powers in Em-ope is consistent 
with the honor and good faith of our government, and not repug- 
nant to any of the treaties now existing between the United States 
and any oi' those powers.' 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 267 



1794. 

February 19i/t. Town voted to set oil" tiie tliiee north westerly 
parishes, into a separate town, by themselves, and to choose a com- 
mittee of nine persons, to see it equitably done, and, on April sev- 
enth, voted to choose a committee, to petition the general court to 
set them off, and, April twenty-third, reconsidered it, one hundred 
and eighty to five. 

In June of this year, the fii-st incorporated woolen factory in 
Massachusetts, was erected, at the falls of the river Parker, in New- 
bury. The machinery was made in Newburyport, by Messrs. Stan- 
dring, Ai-mstrong, and Guppy. 

' Very dry summer. The brooks did not begin to fill up till Oc- 
tober twenty-seventh, nor the grist mills to grind corn.' Slephen 
Broivn's journal. 

May 13///. Newburyport ' unanimously past a resolution to this 
effect. That in their opinion the embargo ought to be continued, 
and it w^as their wish it might be, as long as the public exigencies 
require it.' 

July 19l/i. Eight persons, belonging to the third parish of New- 
bury, now second in West Newbury, were drowned, whUe crossing 
the Merrimac in a boat. Their names were, Edmund Kendrick, 
who left a wife and three children, Sarah Brown, Mercy Pilsbury, 
Mehetabel Brown, Nabby Hale, Polly, Rebecca, and Joshua Chase. 
The last four were children of Joshua Chase. Six of them were 
carried to the grave in one procession. A sermon was preached on 
the occasion, by the reverend David Toppan. 

September lS//(. Newburyport passed two by-laws, the one to 
prohibit any person from smoking any pipe or cigar in any street, 
lane, or alley, under a penalty of two shiUings for every offence, the 
other inflicting a like penalty on the owner of ' every duck or goose, 
gander or drake found in Frog pond.' 

Tills year, the fourth religious society in Newburyport, was incor- 
porated. It originated with a few individuals, who separated from 
the first presbyterian society, in order to attend the ministry of the 
reverend Charles W. Milton, who had been invited to visit Newbu- 
ryport by the reverend John Murray, pastor of the first presbyterian 
church, as the following letter and extract will show. 

' Newburyport, April Xlth. 1789. 
' Reverend sir: the news of vour mission by that truly venerable mother in 
Israel made my heart to leap for joy. The success that has attended your labors 
and those of your worthy colleague since your arrival in New Brunswick has 
drawn out the gratitude and praises of many to Him with whom the residue of 
the spirit is. Both these things have conspired to induce me to wish a visit 
from you to this town. In this I was encouraired by an overture in a letter from 
our pious and worthy mutual friend, doctor Calef, last winter, accompanied by 
a very agreeable present of books from yourself. In reply to the doctor I pressed 
him to prevail with you to come this way in the spring, that I might enjoy your 
good assistance at our sacrament in May, and have the comfort of having you 



268 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

with my people, while I pursue a journey intended (D. V.) at that time. My 
hopes were sanguine thai captain Lovett would liave brought you with him this 
last trip, but he is relumed without you, and without any news of you or my 
friend. I am the more afflicted with ihe <lisappoiiitmpnt because it has pleased 
God to awaken a number in my congregation and another in this town, be.sides 
sundry places in the vicinity. In this state of things who can tell what might 
be the consequence if you should be moveil of the Holy Tdiost to come over 
and help us ? I sincerely long for that privilege, and if your other engagements 
will permit it I .should be very happy to receive you from captam Lovell's hands 
when he returns. 

' Although I have dated mv letter at Newburyport I am now writing at Ames- 
bury, snatching an opportunity of sending it on boaid by an unexpected chance, 
lest the vessel should be gone before I get home : this prevents my sending 
you three poor sermons of mine which I lately printed. 

' Please to make my kind salutations to doctor C'alef and his lady. Tell him, 
had I been at home, my disappointment should not have prevented my writing 
to him. 

' May the presence of Him, who dwelt in the bush be ever with you. I am 
with genuine feelings of fraternal love and esteem, reverend sir, 
Your unworthy fellow servant in the dear Immanuel, 

John Murray.' 

In another letter, dated July twenty-eighth, 1791, JMr. Rlurray 
thus writes : 

' From your principles, connections, and character, many of my people, as 
early as they heard of your coming to St. Johns began to long for a personal 
acquaintance with you. 

' My own hearty concurrence with their desires, induced me once to trouble 
you with a letter, requesting a visit from you. Since that request was known, 
my people have cherished e.xpectations of seeing you here. After these had 
been so long frustrated, it gave them and me very sensible pleasure to find the 
Centinel announce your arrival in Boston last week. Since that lime we have 
not been without hopes of your giving us an earlier opportunity of bidding you 
welcome to Newburyport as well as to New England.' 

In consequence of these invitations, Mr. Milton came to Newbu- 
ryport, preached for Mr. Murray, and was invited to settle in Ames- 
bury, but his friends, unwilling to lose his ministration.^, determined 
to settle and support him. 

October 6th. Newburyport voted to have four conduits, 'in case 
of fire and to have a town watch to consist of four men for the first 
sLx months, and two rnen for the remainder of the year." 

Newbury and Newburyport were this year surveyed, and maps 
•were taken, which were deposited in the office of the secretary of 
state. 

November 6t/i. An organ was put up in first congregational 
church in Newburyport. 

November X^t.h. Reverend Daniel Dana was ordained pastor of 
the first presbyterian church and congregation in Newburyport. 
This caused a secession of a considerable number of persons, who 
formed the second presbyterian church in Newburyport. 



HISTOKY OF NEWBURY. 269 



1 795. 

March 10th. Town voted, ihal llie inliabilants of A'ewbury have 
liberiy lo attend public worship where they choose, and be exempt 
from taxation elsewhere, and to petition the general courtto confirm 
the above vote. 

In July ol' this year, the reverend .lohn Boddily came to Newbu- 
ryport, and was installed pastor of the second presjjyterian chnrcii, 
in 1797. He was born in Bristol, England, April twelith, 1755, 
began to preach in London, 1778, ordained at Weslbury, November 
eighth, 1780; thence he went to Walsal, thence lo Wallingford, 
where he preached till 1795. On September nineteenth, 180:2, he 
preached his last sermon, and died November fourth, 1802, in his 
forty-eighth year. 

This summer was remarkably moist. ' Throughout ten weeks, 
commencing from the middle of June, it rained during a gi-eater or 
less part of half the days. The peas in the pod germinated si.'c 
inches, and several other seeds proportionally, and more rain fell 
during the season than had been known for the preceding eighty 
years.' * 

Jul// 2d. Newburyport ' voted unanimously the thanks of the 
town be given to Mr. Tiinothy Dexter for the generous oiler he has 
this day made to the town of building a market at his own expense.' 

In this year, the second presbyterian society was formed, by a 
number of persons, for the purpose of attending the ministry of the 
reverend John Boddilv. 

November 26th. This day, the bridge erected at ' Holt's rocks,' 
between Newbury and Haverhill, and which is called the ' Rock's 
bridge,' was opened for travelers. It was one thousand feet in 
length, and was the longest bridge over the Merrimac. It had four 
arches, a draw, and was supported by five piers and two abutments. 
It was swept away by the ice, in 1818. 



1706. 

March 13//<. ' Newburyport voted to accept of ' Harris street' 
and ' Pleasant street' as laid out by the selectmen,' and, on April 
fourth, ' voted to accept of ' Broad street ' and ' Essex street,' and to 
build a brick school house at the southerly end of the mall.' 

3Iaij. In the Newburvporl Herald of this month, appears the 
confession and acknowledgment of one Solomon Tole, who asks 
pardon for his imposition, having pretended, during a part of his 
fourteen years' absence from home, that he was John Pike, the son 
of John and INIarlha Pike, of Newburyport, and had called himself 
by that name. His intended imposition, and the discovery of the 
whole plot, by the late John Mycall, esquire, would furnish ample 

♦ Dwight's travels. 



270 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

materials for an interesting pamphlet. He was a native of Epping, 

^'li jJine ofjlS year, the yellow fever commenced its ravages in 
Ne;bm;;or,/an/bet;een that time and the fifth of October, forty- 

^'^S^^S": Second Presbyterian church dedicated. The 
corner "one was laid May sixteenth, and the frame ot the bmldn.g 
raised Jmie second. 



179T. 



May Sth. Beck street and Ship sireet accepted by Newb" jort 
as laid out, and, on September twcnty-hrst, teprmg .tieet, and, on 
October twelfth, Lime street. £. 

X/ 9///. A large house on Carr's island was destroyed by fire 

Til y ar, captain Carter, of brig Ka.y, of Newbm-yport was 
tak e l/a French privateer, who took oul aU the crew except the 
c^tainlnd two men, and ordered her to a F-nu j pm • Ihey re 
mnl- the vessel and arrived safe in Boston, July eleventh. 

1 LlS/t L William Noyes, aged twenty-three was thrown 
from h ho^e, and so severely wl^unded, by a sythe which he was 
caiTvin- that he survived the accident but twenty-four hom^. 

Novemb^Sth. The dweUing house of Mr. Moses Savcry, who 
^afout oftown, was destroyed by foe about one o'cjck a n^ > t 

and his two apprentices, Spencer Bailey and Cmncr, wtic 

consumed in the flames. , 

December m. The giist and sawmills at Fmt isiana, v\cre 

destroyed by fire. 

1798. 

< From November twenty-eighth 1797 tiU March ^^^^J;^^^^ 
this vear the river Merrimac was frozen over above Amesbuiy leu^ 
* Li'imiuary, John Foss, who had been taken by the A,ge--s, -_ 
the Polly, commanded by captam Michael Smith, m i7J.i, puD 
lished ail interesting narrative ot Ins captivity. 

^ ;n7 30^/.. Newbm-yport, by theh- appointed -—-'^ad- 
dressed a comphmentary letter to president Adams, pledging hen 
t;Za fortiiies to support the measui-es 3"dged necessai-y by 
president and congress, to preserve and secure 'Y^'^^f^r^yll 
Sicnity, and the essential inrerests of the Lmled ^'^tes and .o 
forth \o which the president made an appropriate reply May c gl ' • 
OnJunefirst,a lumber of the inhabilanls ot Newbui-vpoit, ad- 
dreSed a Tet^^^r to the honorable BaUey Bartle,, member ol congress, 

'"^l^of the inhubitonts of this town have agreed to build 
and'Sui -l^iP of tmee hundred and '^J;;-*;- ;----- - 

mounted with twenty six pound cannon and to o ic to the 
ment of the United States for their use,' and so loith, and .o 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 271 

The proposal was accepted, the keel laid July ninth, and, on Octo- 
ber twelfth, she was launched, having been completed in seventy- 
five working days, and sent to sea, under the command of" captain 
IMoses Brown. 8he was called the Mcrrimac, and having ' run 
about five years, was sold to the merchants, and was soon after 
WTecked on cape Cod.' '^ 

December 4th. ' This night Mr. Richard Jackman and his son 
about eleven years of age, who went to Plum island on the prece- 
ding day after wood and were not able to get home with their boat 
by reason of the wind and coldness of the night, made an attempt 
to come home by laiul, but being chilled with the cold, died with 
his son in his arms, after having got within half a mile of his own. 
house.' I 

1 799. 

December l-\th. George Washington died. 



1 800. 

January 2d. Agreeably to previous arrangements, a procession 
w-as formed in Market square, and moved thence, through State, 
Pleasant, Green, Water, iNIerrimac, and Federal streets, up to the 
reverend Daniel Dana's meeting-house, where an eulogy was 
delivered by Thomas Paine, A. M., who afterward took the name 
of Robert Treat Paine, being desirous, as he expressed it, ' of having 
a christian name.' 

The stores in town were closed and all business suspended. The 
colors of the shipping were at half mast, and minute guns were 
fired, during the march of the procession to the meeting-house, 
which was crowded with an attentive audience. 

February 22d. This day was observed, according to a previous 
vote by the parish of Byfield, in commemoration of the death of 
Washington, by the tolling of the bell one hour in the morning, an 
oration, and so forth. 

April 9th. AVashington street was laid out. 

May 22d. The corner stone of saint Paul's church was laid, with 
masonic ceremonies. Underneath it, were deposited a variety of 
medals and coins, with a plate, engraven in Hebrew and masonic 
characters, and another, with this inscri|)tion : 'this corner stone of 
saint Paul's church (founded A. D. 1738) was laid by the right 
reverend brother Edward Bass, D. D. bishop of Massachusetts and 
rector of this church assisted by the M. W. Samuel Dunn esquire, 
G. master, the D. G. master, the grand wardens and brethren of the 
G. lodge of Massachusetts, on the feast of the holy ascension in 
the year of grace MDCCC, and of the United States XXIV.' 

This year, Mr. Timothy Palmer was chosen surveyor of the high- 

* Cushing's history of Newburyport. t Davis's journal. 



272 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

way?', in Newburvport. Under his skillful supervision, the roads 
and lanes of the town assumed a new and greaily improved appear- 
ance. The first improvement of any note, was in High street, near 
Frog pond. Time was, when at the lower end of the mall, as it 
now stands, there was an eminence, on which a windmill was erect- 
ed, in 1703, and remained till 1771. Aiterward, on the margin 
of the pond, stood Crocker's rope walk, and, a1 the upper end, a pot- 
ash manufactory. At the head of Green street, there were the old 
gun house, and a ravine or gully, one hundred and eighty feet in 
length, and fifieen feet deep in the deepest place. The other incum- 
brances having been successively removed, captain Edmund Bartlet 
began, on June twenty-sixth, to lill up the gully, and in August, the 
mall as it now stands was completed, at an expense of abovtt eigh- 
teen hundred dollars, of which fourteen hundred were generously 
given by captain Bartlet. For this munificence, he received the 
thanks of the town, and the luall is called ' Bartlet mall.' On July 
tenth, Newbury port voted to purchase the ground on which then 
stood the first parish meeting-house. This was eft'ected at an expense 
of eight thousand dollars, of which the town paid four thousatid and 
four hundred. The remaining three thousand and six hundred dol- 
lars was collected by voluntary contributions, and by an assessment 
on the owners of the land near the meeting-house. The land thus 
purchased, received the name of Market square. 



1801. 

Mil)/. A bell was given to the second presbyterian church in 
Newburyporl, by Timothy Dexter. 

Seplembi'.r 27/Jt. On this day, the reverend Tliomas Gary 
preached for the last time in the meeting-house in Market square. 
The next day, the building was demolished, a well dug through 
the solid rock, and the town pump erected, near the spot where the 
pulpit formerly stood. 

Oct.obrr. The new meeting-house, erected in Pleasant street, 
for the use of the first church and society, was this day dedicated. 
Sermon by the reverend John Andrews. 



1802. 

Jariuanj 24t/i. ' This day,' says the historian of Haverhill, 'the 
weather was so warm that the ice in the Merrimac moved with the 
tide, and there was but little snow till February twenty-second.' 
From this day, for nearly a week, an unusual quantity of snow and 
hail fell, so that, in the opinion of doctor Dwight, had it been as 
light as the snow in 1717, which was six feel deep, the snow would 
have been eight feet deep. So hard was the crust, that loaded 
sleighs passed any where over the fences. The honorable Bailey 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 273 

Bartlet, Ichabod Tucker, and some others, rode to Ipswich over the 
fences in a large double sleigh. 

May lith. Town of Newbury 'voted unanimously that the 
erection of a bridge across Merrimac river from SaUsbury to any 
pait of Newbm-y will not be beneficitd to the public at large, but a 
public injury,' and so forth, and also voted to oppose the turnpike 
road going tlu-ough Newbury. 

Mai/ Z\st. Newbm-yport voted, that the proposed bridge and 
turnpike road to New Hampshire line, ' would be of great public 
utility and convenience,' and so forth. Each town voted to instruct 
theu" representatives accordingly. 

In i\Iarch and October, Roberts street and Spring street were laid 
out and accepted. 

September 22d. There was a violent tornado, the wind blowing 
from south west to north east, in a vein of about eighty rods wide. 
It swept away entirely from its fomidation, the house of Mr. David 
Bartlet in the west parish. 

December I'Sth. Newbury voted to lay out a four rod way, from 
Essex MeiTimac bridge to Water street, at an expense of one thou- 
sand and eiglity-two doUai's. 

Merrimac Hiunane Society was instituted tliis year. 



1 803. 

March Ixt. Active Fire Society formed in Newburyport. 

May. Mail stage commenced running from Haverhill to New- 
buryport. 

December 21st. The shipping of Newburyport consisted, at this 
time, of nine ships, tliirtj'-two brigs, thirty-four schooners, and six- 
teen sloops. 

Aiig-ust 2'M. On this day, the directors of the Newburyport 
turnpike commenced operations. The number of shares was nine 
hunch-ed and ninety-five, which, at nearly four hundred and twenty 
doUai's a share, amounted to more than fom- hundred and seven- 
teen thousand dollars. It was completed in 1806. 

Female Charitable Society was instituted June eighth. 



1804. 

October 2d. Newburyport 'voted unanimously that the town 
will concur with the honorable court of sessions in placing a new 
court house on land between Frog pond and the mall directly 
fronting Green street.' 

October lOlIi. There was a severe storm. Nearly one hundred 
liead of cattle were kiUed. Thirty were found dead in a small 
compass. 

35 



274 HISTORY OF NEV/BURY. 



1805. 

In lliis year, tlie now court house was erected. 

Mai/. Newbmy appropriated two hundred dollars, to build two 
engine houses. 

Avgust. Chai-ter street laid out and accepted. 

This summer there was a severe drought. 

Plum island turnpilje, and the bridge over Plum island river, were 
made this year. 

In November, there belonged to Newburyport forty-one ships, 
sixty-two brigs, two snows, two barques, and sLxty-sbc schooners, 
besides sloops. 

1 806. 

B'lay Alli. On this day, the reverend John S. Popkin preached 
for the last time in the old meeting-house in the fii'st jiaiush, New- 
bury. It was lorn down May sLvlh. 

June 16lh, the day of the total eclipse of the sun, the sills of the 
new meeting-house were laid, and, on September seventeenth, the 
new house was dedicated. 

Tliis summer there was a severe drought. 

The amount of tonnage in the shipping of Massachusetts, this 
year, was four hundred and fifty thousand and sixty-one tons, of 
wliich, thirty-one thousand, nine hundred, and forty-one tons, was 
owned in Newburyport. 

1807. 

September 21st. Newburyport ' voted that the generou.s donation 
made to the town by the late Mr. Timothy Dexter of two thousand 
dollars, the interest of which he directed the overseers of the poor 
animally to distribute to such of the poor of the town, as are the 
most necessitous, avIio are not in the work house, is an act of benev- 
olence, which the town accept, and acknowledge with gi-atitude 
and thankfulness.' 

November i)th. Newburyport purchased the county's interest in 
the court house, for seven hundred and fifty dollars. 

Deecmbcr '22d. Congress passed an act of embargo, by which 
all the ports of the United States were closed against the clearance 
of all vessels. Whatever may have been said or thought of the 
propriety or impropriety of this act of the general government, it is 
certain that the enforcememt of the law occasioned gi-eat suH'ering 
everywliere, but particularly in commercial places. ' Thousands 
of seamen were thrown out of employment and llie harbors of our 
sea-]iorts were filled with dismantled vessels.' In the langitage of 
Fairfield, ' tiio grass-grown wharves were beaten with their decaying 
hulks, and the timid land-bird rested on their rotting shrouds.' The 
pt'ople of Newburyport were great sufferers fjy this measure, which 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 275 

met, both in Newbury and Newburyport, with great opposition, a 
large majority in botli towns being opposed to the policy of the 
general government. The votes in Newbury were this year three 
hundred and tifty-livc for Caleb Strong, and for James Sullivan one 
hundred and seventy-one, and in Newburyport, five hundred and 
ninety-two to two hundred and fifty-one. 



180S. 

June loth. Baptist meeting-house in Newbiuyport was dedicated. 

Jii7ie 27///. Violent tornado, whicli did great damage. 

Aug-ust 2d. The town of Newbury met, and, on August ninth, 
the town of Newburyport met, to take into consideration ' the dis- 
tressing situation of our country occasioned by the general embar- 
go,' and so forth. Each of the towns unanimously voted, to send 
a petition to the president of the United States, which was done. 
These petitions may be found in the town records, but ai-e too long 
for insertion here. 

September 28th. The Andover institution was this day opened. 
Mr. William Bartlet having previously given twenty thousand dol- 
lars, Mr. Moses Brown ten thousand dollars, and Air. Jolni Norris 
ten thousand dollars, as a capital fund. The two former were of 
Newburyport, the latter of Salem. 



1809. 

January 12th. Town of Newburyport had a meeting, and, after 
having passed a series of resolutions, they presented a memorial to 
the general court respecting the embargo, and other matters. On 
January twenty-thud, the town of Newbury took the same course, 
with resolves and a memorial of like tenor. These resolves and 
memorials are of great length, and are \\Titten wath much spirit and 
ability. They are too long for publication, and an abbreviation 
would not do them justice. 

Februanj 9th. Newburyport 'voted to establish one or more 
soup-houses for the relief of the poor.' 

March 1st. The cml)argo was repealed, but all trade and inler- 
coiu-se with France and England were interdicted. 

3Iai/ ISth. The old town house in Newburyport was torn down. 

December 20th. Menimac Bible Society was instituted. 

This year the baptist meeting-house was built, in Liberty street. 



1810. 

September lAth. Tliere was another tornado in the westerly part 
of Newbury, with much rain. It carried off Mr. David Ordway's 
barn, and did much damage in Mr. Joseph Newell's wood lot. 



276 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

November 9lh. In ihc evening, there was a severe shock of an 
earthquake. 

In this year, there were built on the Merrimac river, t^venty-one 
ships, thirteen brigs, one schooner, and seven others, the total ton- 
nage of which, was above twelve thousand tons.* 

Newburyport Athena:'um was incorporated, and the town hall 
built. The Essex Merrimac bridge was rebuilt this year by a Mr. 
Templeman. It was the first chain bridge in New England. 



181 1. 

February 2d. A great snow storm commenced, and continued 
three days. It was piled up in reefs, in some places more than fif- 
teen fcet.f 

February. First Baptist Society in Newljury and Newljuryjiort 
was incorporated. 

Mai) 31s/. Friday. On this evening, about half past nine 
o'clock, commenced one of the most disash-ous fires, with which 
Newburyport, or perhaps any town in the stat(>, was ever visited. 
From a pamphlet, dated Newburyport, June lifth, ISil, I make tlie 
following extract. 

'DREADFUL FIRE! 

' On Friday evening last, at half past nine o'clock, the citizens of this town 
■were alarmed ^¥ith the cry of fire, which proved to have taken ell'ect at the 
place where they have so repeatedly been sunimonetl in the course of the 
present season on a similar occasion ; and where it has for some lime past been 
anxiously feared some vile incendiary intended to accomplish the purpose 
which is now efiected. The fire commenced in an unimproved stable in 
Mechanic row, owned by David Lawrence, wliich at the moment when the fire 
vras discovered was found to be completely enveloped in Itames. It soon 
extended to the market and to State street, and spread in such various direc- 
tions as to baftle all exertions' to subdue it. In a few hours, it prostrated every 
building on the north side of Cornhill, and both sides of State street from 
Cornhill to the market ; it then proceeded into Essex street, on the north east 
side, to the house of captain James Kettle, where it was checked — into Mid- 
dle stj-eet as far as Fair street on the north-east side and within a few rods 
thereof on the south-west side — into Liberty street within one house of Inde- 
pendent street, and down Water street as far as Hudson's wharf, sweeping off 
every building witliin that circle. The whole of Centre street was laid in 
ashes, and the whole range of Tiuildings in Merchant's row on the Ferrywharf, 
also all the stores on the several wharves belweeir the market and Marquand's 
wharf, including the latter: thus clearing a large tract of land of sixteen and a 
half acres in a part of the town the most compact, and containing a much 
larn-er pioportion of the wealth of the town than any other part. 

' It is estimated that nearly two hundred and fifty buildings were burnt, most 
of which were stores and dwellina-houses ; in which number nearly all the 
dry goods stores in town are included ; four printing ollices, being the whole 
number in town; and including the Newburyport Herald ollice ; the custom 
house ; the surveyor's oliice ; the post ofhce; two insurance oliices, (the L'nion 
and the Phonix ;) the baptist meeting-house ; foiu' altonu^y's offices ; four book- 
stores, the loss in one of which is thirty thousand dollars, and also the town 
library. 

* Newburyport Herald. t Lewis's Hisloiy of Lynn. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 277 

' Bhmt's building and the Phenix building, two large four story brick build- 
ings, seemed to present a barrier to the destructive element, and great hopes 
■were entertained for a time that they would effectually restrain its rage ; but by 
a sudden change of the \\-ind the flames were carried directly upon these im- 
mense piles, which they soon overtopped, and involved in the calamity, which 
threatened to become general. State street at this time presented a spectacle 
most terribly sublime ! The wind soon after its change blew strong : these 
buildings which were much the highest in the street threw the fire in awful 
columns many yards into the air, and the flames extended in one continued 
sheet of fire across the spacious area ! 

' The large brick baptist meetins-house. in Liberty street, in which many had 
deposited their goods, furniture, &c. as (from its distance and construction) a 
place of undoubted safety, with its contents shared and increased the awful 
calamity. 

' At two o'clock in the morning the fire seemed to rage in every direction with 
irresistible fury, and the inhabitants saw very little prospect of preserving any 
portion of the town. Every thing was accomplished which intelligent and 
ardent exertion could effect : but they were disheartened by perceiving those 
efforts apparently without success. About four the danger diminished, and at 
six the fire had in a great degree spent its fury. 

' The scene, says a gentleihan, who was present during the night, was the 
most truly terrible I have ever witnessed. At the commencement of the fire, 
it was a bright moon light night, and the evening was cool and pleasant. But 
the moon gradually became obscured and at length disappeared in the thick 
cloud of smoke which shrouded the atmosphere. The glare of light through- 
out the town was intense, and the heat that of a sultry summer noon. The 
streets were thronged with those whose dwellings were consumed, conveying 
the remains of their property to places of safety. The incessant crash of 
falling buildings, the roaring of chimneys like distant thunder, the flames 
ascending in curling volumes from a vast extent of ruins, the air filled with a 
shower of fire, and the feathered throng fluttering over their wonted retreats, 
and dropping into the flames ; the looing of the cows, and the confused noise 
of exeition and distress, united to impress the mind with the most awful 
sensations. 

' The loss of property is immense, and cannot fall short of one million of 
dollars. Upwards of ninety families are driven from their habitations with the 
loss of a very considerable part of their furniture and clothing, and many of 
them deprived of the means of furnishing themselves with the necessaries of 
life. The scene of horror presented to view by the ravages of one night, beg- 
gars all description.' 

' Within a few months after the fire, the sufferers received in do- 
nations, about one hundred and twenty-eight thousand dollars.' * 

A splendid cornet was seen on the eleventh of October between 
Arcturus and Lyra, and continued visible several months. 



1812. 

The baptist mecting-liousc was built this year in Congress street. 

April 4tli. An embargo for ninety days was passed by congress, 
and on June nineteenth, war was declared by the United States 
against Great Britain. On June twenty-fifth the town of Newbury- 
port held a public meeting ' to express their sentiments on the sub- 
ject of a war with Great Britain,' and on June twenty-ninth the 

* Holmes'a annals. 



278 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

town of Newbury held a public meeting for the same purpose. 
The latter town 'passed at a very full meeting wilhout a dissenting 
vote,' a series of resolutions in decided opposition to the war. The 
former reported an address ' to the executive department and the 
legislature of the commonwealth, expressive of their readiness to 
support them in any constitutional measures, which they might 
adopt for the safely and welfare of the people of the commonwealth 
and also expressive of their disapprobation of the late declaration 
of war.' The committee, chosen l^y Newburyport to draft the me- 
morial, were Nessrs. Jeremiah Nelson, John Pierponf, Joseph Dana, 
William Eartlet, and William Fans. 

'J'iiis year the Franldin library was instituted, and the Newbu- 
ryport liank, and the Mechanic's bank, incorporated. The Merri- 
mac bank was incorporated June twenty-fifth, 1795, which was the 
first in town. 

1813. 

Jaminrji 3l5f. Town of Newbury voted to petition the legislature 
for some relief from the ruinous eflects of the unconstitutional em- 
bargo law, forced and im])oscd on us by the general government. 

March 26th. Merrimac river was frozen over and so continued 
about two hours. 

June 12th. The grist mills of Mi-. Silas Pearson, Newbury, were 
destroyed by fire. It was supposed to be the work of an incendiary. 
Loss between three and fom- thousand dollars. 

^Jime 14///. Newburyport voted that the selectmen be recpiested 
to cause the bells of the town to be rung from eleven o'clock to 
twelve on the day of the fifteenth of June in commemoration of 
the gi-eat events in Em-ope.' 

1 S 1 5 . 

Frhnmn/ \2t/i. News that a treaty of peace had been made at 
Ghent, arrived in Newbury this day, and on the seventeenth it was 
ratified by the president. 

Septcwijer 2'3d. American missionaries, Messrs. BardweU, Rich- 
ards, Meigs, and Poor, sailed from Newburyport for Ceylon. 

IS 1 6. 

Ajm'l Isf. The meeting-house in Newbury, Belleville, v/as this 
day struck by lightning and consumed. 
This summer was an unusually cold one. 

1817. 

lull/ 12th. James Monroe, president of the United States, passed 
through Newbury and Ncwbmyport. He was received with all 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 279 

those marks of honor and respect due to his personal worth as well 
as Ms exalted station. 

1818. 

March 4th. Newbmy voted to prociu-c a lot of land to build a 
town house on. 

February iWi. The Howai-d Benevolent Society of Ncwbury- 
port was formed. 

1 819. 

The west part of Newbvuy was this year set ofl' into a separate 
township, and incorporated by the name of Parsons, which was 
afterward changed to that of West Newbmy. 



1820. 

The Newbury port Savings bank was incorporated. 

1821. 

May lOlIi. Stephen M. Clark, of Newburyport, aged about 
seventeen years, was executed at Salem for the crime of arson. 

This year, the town of Newbury was divided into nine school 
districts, and, for the first and only time since the settlement of the 
town, the selectmen received no pay for tlieir services. In 1822, 
the Marine Bible Society was formed in Newburyport, and in 1823, 
the Market hall was erected. It stands on what was once called 
the ' middle ship yajd.' 

1824. 

March. The town of Newburyport voted that the tlianks 'of 
the town be given to John Porter, esquire, for his unparalleled 
exertions in collecting the whole taxes committed to him the past 
year.' 

August Zlst. The marquis Lafayette passed through Newbury 
and Newburyport. He arrived late in the evening in the midst of 
a heavy shower to town, where great preparations had been made to 
welcome the illustrious guest. The next day thousands went to see 
him, and were highly gratified to see and grasp the hand of the man 
with whose name and history many of them had been so long familiar. 

1826. 

This year the difficulty, which had so long existed between the 
town of Newburyport and the ' projjrietors' ' committee, was adjust- 



2S0 HISTORY OF NEWBUKY. 

ed, the latter giving the former a deed of all the land owned by 
them within l\n: limits of Newburyport for twelve huudi-ed dollars. 
Jahi^th. John Adams, in his ninety-first year, and Thomas 
Jeflerson, in his eighty-thu-d year, died tiiis day — a remarkable coin- 
cidence. A eulogy on the characters of these distinguished men 
was delivered in Newburyport, by Caleb Gushing, esquii-e. 

1827. 

February GlJi. This morning', about one o'clock, as Mr. Dayid 
Jackman and RIi-. Frederick Carlton were driving a heavily loaded 
team, drawn by four oxen and a horse, over Essex Mernraac bridge, 
the chains broke and precipitated them into the river. Both the 
men with the horse were saved, but the oxen were drowned, ihe 
morning was very cold, and the bridge had on it a large quantity ot 

snow and ice. t,t i . -a a i 

This summer the new bridge, connecting Newburyport with bai- 

isbury, was erected. It was passable August twenty-seventh, but 

was not completed till October. The wiiole cost was sixty-sLN: 

thousand dollars. 

June 9th. John Tiltou, aged nearly eight years, son ot Air. JJan- 

iel L. Tilton, Marlborough street, was instantaneously killed by 

lightning, while standing near- a window. 



1828. 

Men-imac bridge, connecting West Newbury with the Rocks' 
villain- in Haverhill, was finished this fall. It is nine hundred ieet 
in length, has fom- stone piers, Uvo abutments and a draw ihe 
bridge' before this was carried away by a treshet m April, i«i&. 

1829. 

This year a ' breakwater,' for which an appropriation of thnty- 
two thousand dollars had been made in 1828 by congress was 
commenced across Plum island river. It is nineteen hundred ieet 
in len>^th, and runs in a northwest direction. It was not completed 
till 1831, after another appropriation had been made by congress. 
The main object, for which it was erected, has not been accom- 
plished, though it has been in some respects beneficial. 



1830. 

April ryfh. Newbmy voted not to grant licenses to any persons 
to sell ardent spirits. 



HISTORY OF NEWBT'RY. 281 



1831 



The first number of the Liberator, an anti-slavery paper, was 
published in Boston, by two natives of Newbuiyport, William 
Lloyd Garrison and Isaac Knapp. 



1832. 

January 6th. The New England Anti-slavery society was formed 
by fwclve persons, of whom two were from Ncwburyport and one 
from Newbury. The following is the preamble to the constituliQn 
of the society. 

' We, the undersigned; hold that every person of full age and sane mind has 
a right to immediate freedom from personal bondage of whatsoever kind, unless 
imposed by the sentence of the law for the commission of some crime. We 
hold Oiat man cannot, consistently with reason, religion, and the eternal and 
immutable principles of justice, be the property of man. We hold that whoever 
retains his fellow man in bondage is ,gu\lty of a grievous wrong. We hold that 
mere difierence of complexion is no reason why any man should be deprived of 
an)^ of his natural rights, or subjected to any political disability. While we 
advance these opinions as the principles on which we intend to act, we declare 
that we will not operate on the existing relations of society by other than peace- 
ful and lawful means, and that we will give no countenance to violence or in- 
surrection.' 

Jamiary I3lh. About four o'clock, P. M., Mi-. Hem-y Page, har- 
ness malver, was found dead in his shop in Liberty street, New- 
bur\-port, having been t\\'ice stabbed by some person or persons 
unknown. All attempts to discover the mm-dcrer have hitherto 
proved ineffectual. 

1833. 

Ocean bank of Newbury port incorporated. 



1835. 

May 26///. This day, according to previous arrangements made 
by the citizens of the three towns that once conslitutud 'onld 
NewbeiTV,' the txvo hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the 
town was celebrated. A salute of twenty-four guns was fired at 
sunrise, and a similar salute at sunset. At ten o'clock a procession 
was formed at the town house in Newbury, which moved at half 
past ten, escorted by the Newburyport artillery company, and the 
Byfield rifle company; went down the turnpike to High street, 
thence down High street to Federal street, thence down Federal to 
Middle street, thence through Market square, Broadway, and Merri- 
mac street, up Market street, through Berry street and l^rown's 
36 



282 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

square to Pleasant street clnuTh, where an address was delivered 
by the honorable Caleb dishing, and an ode and hymn WTitten for 
the occasion by tlie honorable George Lunt, were sung. After the 
services of the church were concluded, about seven hundred per- 
sons dined at the pavilion, erected for the purpose near the New- 
bury town house. The sentiments and speeches on the occasion, 
were, it is said, of a superior order. Lieutenant governor Arm- 
strong, the honorable Messrs. Everett, Phillips, Cusliing, and Lunt, 
colonel Winthrop and colonel 8wctt of Boston, judge While of 
Salem, and several other gentlemen, addressed the company, which 
did not separate till sundown. In the evening the ladies gave a 
splendid tea party at the town hall in Newburyport, which was 
numerously attended, and which added no little eclat to the festivi- 
ties. The newspapers of the day furnish us with a long account 
of the toasts, sentiments, sjjeeches, anecdotes, and so forlh, which 
the celebration elicited, but I have no room for the narration. I 
can find room only for the foUowing ode. 

PILGRIM SONG. 

Over the mountain wave, 
See where they come ; 
Storm-cloud and wintry wind 

Welcome them home ; 
Yet where the sounding gale 

Howls to the sea, 
There their song peals along, 
Deep-toned and free : 
Pilgrims and wanderers, 

Hither we come ; 
Where the free dare to be — 
This is our home ! 

England hath sunny dales, 

Dearly they bloom ; 
Scotia hath heather-hills, 

Sweet their perfume; 
Yet through the wilderness. 

Cheerful we stray ; 
Native land, native land. 
Home, far away ! 

Pilgrims and wanderers. 

Hither we come ; 
Where the free dare to be — 
This is our home I 

Dim grew the forest-path, — 

Onward they trod ; 
Firm beat their noble hearts. 

Trusting in God ! 
Gray men and blooming maids, \ 

High rose their song; 
Hear it sweep, clear and deep, 
Kver along: 

Pilgrims and wanderers, 

Hither we come; 
Where the free dare to be — 
This is our home ! 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 283 

Not theirs the glory-wreath 

Torn by the blast; 
Heavenward their holy steps, 

Heavenward they past ; 
Green be their mossy graves ! 

Onrs be their fame ; 
While their soni; peals along, 
Ever the same : 

l^ilijrims and wanderers. 

Hither we come ; 
Where the tree dare to be — 
This is our home! 

Thus ended the second centennial celebration of Ihe settlement of 
Newbury ; the completion of the first centiuy, in 1735, having been, 
according to tradition, duly noticed iir the front yard of colonel Jo- 
seph Coffin's house, where his great grandson, the compiler of tliis 
work, now resides. 

1 S37. 

May 24th. The town of Newbury voted to loan to the state, at 
five per centum, their portion of the surplus revenue. This was 
accordingly done, and though many attempts have been made to 
appropriate it to some other purpose, no motion to that effect has 
been successful. 

1840. 

Tiie population of Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury, 
has been, according to the census, as follows, namely : 

1764 1790 1800 1810 1S20 1830 1840 

Newbury, 3972 4076 5176 3671 3771 3389 

Newburvporl, 2282 4837 5946 7634 6858 6741 7124 

West Newbury, 1279 1448 1553 

1843. 

The winter of 1843 was very severe, and the spring unusually 
backward. As late as the middle of April the snow iu many 
places was several feel deep. 

Ajjiil VSl/i. On tliis day in 1755 as well as this year, the ice 
broke up in the Merrimac. 

June 15th. Alnicr Rogers, a native of Ncwbiuy, who had been 
in the state's prison in Charlestown two years, antl who had again 
been sentenced five and a half years from March twenty-eighth, 
1838, rushed upon the warden of the prison, Mr. Solomon I^incoln, 
and killed him with a shoe knife. After a long and patiein investi- 
gation, the jury rendered their verdict, 'not guilty by reason of in- 
sanity.' lie was then sent to the Worcester insane asylum. 

October IQth. ' This morning, about half past six o'clock, an 
hour after the workmen had commenced operations, the boiler of a 
six horse power engine in the patent cordage manufactory of 



284 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

Michael Wormslod & Son, on South and Marlborough streets, 
exploded. Mr. John Green, the engineer, who was prol)ably stand- 
ing in I'ront of the furnace, was instantly killed, his head being 
crushed into an almost shapeless mass. i\L\ Lorenzo Ross, who 
was standing in the doorway of the engine room, was badly scald- 
ed, and his body completely blackened. He was taken up sense- 
less, but afterward revived, and it is thought may recover. The 
engine house was completely demolished, and the bricks, limbers, 
and boards thickly scattered around, to the distance of eighty or a 
hundred yards. The boiler was twenty feet long, and weighed 
over a ton and a half. The main body of it, being eight of the ten 
joints or plates, and weighing, probably, near twenty-eight hundred 
pounds, was forced in a straight line, through a pile of heavy an- 
thracite coal, eight or ten feet in thickness, and also the end of the 
building against which the coal was piled, passing over the vacant 
lot between the ropewalk and the dwelling-house and out buildings 
next below it, on iNIarlborough street, and after strildng the ground 
three or four times, prostrated a small shed, and leveled the fence 
on the street, which checked its progress so that it turned round 
and rested on the sidewalk, nearly on a parallel line with Marlbor- 
ough street, and at a distance of nearly three hundred feet from the 
engine house. 

' A fragment of the boiler, straightened out, and weighing two 
hundred pounds or more, was thrown about forty yards in the field 
on the lower side of the engine house, and a smaller fragment, 
weighing seventy-five or a hundred pounds, was projected about 
forty yards in a straight line in the rear towards South street, and 
the head of the boiler weighing probably one hundred pounds, 
must have been elevated to a great height as it fell on the opposite 
side of the ropewalk, and within a few feet of the building, having 
passed over the roof.' Ncicbiirt/port Herald. 

This was the lii-st steam engine erected in Newbmy, and had 
been in use five or six years. 

1844. 

Man ^^^tJi. This day, Abner Rogers, whose insanity caused the 
death of Mr. Lincoln, lost his own life, undoubtedly from the same 
cause. The manner was this. ' Near the close of the evening ex- 
ercises he became impatient and recjuested his attendant to permit 
him to retire. His attendant replied that the services would soon 
be over, when not a moment elapsed before he sprang through the 
window with great force, taking out four panes with the sash.' The 
fall was about sixteen feet. He was taken up senseless and so 
remained until he died, which was the third day niter his fall. 

Stuart Chase, esquire, was this year chosen town clerk of New- 
bury. Deacon Ezra Hale, who had for thirty-seven years officiated 
in that capacity, declined a re-election. A unanimous vote of thanks 
was given by the town ' for his long and faithful services as clerk. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 235' 

and so forth, and voted that it be entered on the town records by 
his successor in said olllce.' 

There arc fom- cotton miUs in Ne\vburyport, biiih in 1836, lSo9, 
1841, and 1844, of wiiich I shall speak more particularly in the 
appendLx. 

November Vdth. This afternoon, the reverend Daniel Dana 
preached to a numerous audience, in the church in Federal street, a 
sermon in commemoration of his having been ordained the pastor 
of that church and congregation a lialf century before. 

The evening of this day was madi- the occasion of one of those 
festive meetings known in modern limes by the name of ' donation 
visits.' Preparations had been making, for some time before, among 
the venerable pastor's numerous friends, to exhibit some substantial 
testimony of their regard. On this occasion, his house was literally 
crowded with those of all ages, who gladly came to show their re- 
spect for the good and eminent man, who, for half a century, had 
devoted himself, with untiring zeal, to his master's great business. 
Drawing towai-d the close of his labors, nothing could have been 
more gi-atifying to him, than to-witness the respect and good wiR 
of the few, who had listened to his earliest instructions, mingled 
with the many, who had been favored by his later minisU-ations. It 
was, indeed, a cheerful and ha])py meeting. All were in good 
spirits. Plentiful refreshments were provided by the friends of him, 
who had thus been made a respected guest in his own house, and the 
music of the choir agreeably diversified the entertainment. The 
numerous party left behind them, in the hands of the committee, 
ample evidence of their sincere interest in the excellent pastor. 
They separated to their several homes, at a seasonable hour. All 
were sony to leave, and none can ever forget the pleasing circum- 
stances of so interesting a scene. 

Li token of his gratitude, the doctor puublished in the Newbury- 
port Herdd the following card. ' 

' Doctor Dana presents his gi-ateful acknowledarments to those numerous 
friends of various con<5regations. ^Tho were pleased to honor his house with a 
visit on the evening of the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination. So extensive 
a manifestation of interest in his person and his ministerial labors, is cheering 
to his heart, and its memoiy will cease only with his life. 

' The plan of a friendly congratulation was made subservient to the purpose 
of scnerovs beneficence, a plan conceived with so much secrecy and executed 
with so much liberality, has rendered the kindness of liis friends almost oppres- 
sive, lie can never cease to implore for them that they may be rewarded in 
the richest blessings of time and eternity.' 

December 27th. A meeting-house for the first christian union 
society of Newburyport, was this day raised in Court street, New- 
buryport, seventy-five feet in length, and forty-live in breadth. The 
church was formed May seventh, 1841. 



286 HISTORY OF NEWBURY. 

This page, gentle reader, closes, as you perceive, the annals of 
' oiild Newberry,' and should you, without the perplexity that I have 
sometimes experienced, receive a tithe of the pleasure, in reading 
tlie preceding pages, that I have had in collecting, arranging, and 
abridging, the materials of which they are composed, I shall feel 
highly gratified with the result of my labors, and you will, for a 
short time at least, be quite a happy man. If, on the contrary, your 
anticipations have not been reaUzed, and you are disappointed in 
the history, and dissatisfied with the manner in which it has been 
arranged, you can alter it to yom- liking, as there still exists an abun- 
dance of un|)ublishcd materials, amply sufficient for you to make 
another volume, for your own gratification, and the amusement of 
the public. You can also omit reading the following appendix, 
which is sen'ed up, as a kind of dessert, for those who have not 
left the table, either in satiety or disgust. 



'DOLAVI UT rOTLl.' CICERO. 



APPENDIX. 



A, Page 19. 



The following are the names of the most wealthy of the gmntees, 
Avith the number of acres, which were granted them, afhxed to their 
names. To each of the first settlers was granted a house lot of at 
Jeast four acres, with a suitable quantity of salt and fresh meadow 



Mr. Richard Dummer, 
Mr. Henry Sewall, 
Mr. John "Clark, 
Mr. John Woodbridge, 
Mr. Edward Rawson, 
Richard Kent, junior, 
William Moody, 
John Merrill, 
Mr. John Cutting, 



1080 Mr. James Noyes, . . . 124 

630 Mr. Thomas Parker, ... 90 

540 Captain Edmund Greenleaf, . 122 

237 Mr. James Browne, . . . 159 

581 Mr. Edward Woodman, . . 120 

134 Mr. Nicholas Easton, ... 89 

92 Mr. Stephen Dummer, . . 3SG 

90 Stephen Kent, . . §4 

220 Nicholas Holt ' $0 



To the other grantees, the number of acres varied from ten to eighty. 
Many of the later settlers were wealthy, who obtained the principal 
part of their land by purchase, such, for instance, as George Little 
Kotjert Adams, captain William Gerrish, Eichard Dole, Mr. John Mr 
Kichard, and Mr. Percival Lowle, and a few others. 



B, Page 33. 
A SHORT CATECHISM 

COMPOSED BY MR. .TAMES NOYES, LATE TEACHER OF THE CHURCH OP 

CHRIST IN NEWBURY, IN NEW ENGLAND. FOR THE USE 

OF THE CHILDREN THERE. 

^on. How do the Scriptures prove themselves to be true ? 

bv thTTcno^^ he holiness of the matter, by the majesty of the style, 

XerontheT H ?' "f 'he Prophesies, by the efficacy of thei; 

he lofn. US M H 1'"'"' Y^^f^^ ''"= ^°^y ^^°^^ l^eareth witness, 

nelpmg us to discern the truth of them 

Q. What IS the sum of the Scriptures "^ 

A Doctrine of a godly life. 

Wherein consists a godly life ? 

In the obedience of Faith 

What is Faith ? 

^.n .■ m'*'"' '' *" ?*''«'='"»' assent to the Doctrine of the Scriptures 
especiaMy concerning the Grace of God in Christ. ^-^''Plures, 

y. What doth the Scnpture reveal conccrninK God' 

Jl. His Nature, and his Acts. 

Q. What is revealed concerning his Nature 1 

■H. His Essence, and his Persons. 

Q. How is the Essence of God made manifest ? 



Q. 

A. 

Q- 

A. 



John 7, *; 
1 John 2, :: 
L' Tim. '.', hi 
Koni. Ill, Ltl 
I John 6, 1 
Jolln 17, 2. 
Acts «, 37. 



14.29. 

17. 
i 10, 9. 



IJohn 4,15;. 1,8. 



288 



APPENDIX. 



Mat. 38, 111. 


2 Cot. 1.3, H. 


Juli 1, 1. 


Acts .1, .■'. 4. 
i Cor.s,»i. 



Erli- 1, 4 0. 



Horn. 9. 22. 
1 Pet. 2,8. 
Jude4. 



Mnt.10,23,30. 
Acts 17, 28. 



Jer. 31, 31 32. 



GaL3,1112. 

Mark 16, IC. 

Rom. 5, 17. 
1 Jolrn 3, 4. 

Epli. 4, 22. 



Eom. 7,2.3. 
1 Johu 3, 4. 



Rom. 3, 19 23. 
Kom.5,12;f;,23. 

Hom.3,23»4. 



Hcb. 12, 2(1. 
Rnm.3,2U. 
Juhu 15, 5. 



A. 

Q. 
s. 

Q. 

A. 
Q 

A. 



J. 
<l 
A. 
Q. 

A. 



A. By his Names, and Attributes. 

O What are his Attributes? . . ^ ., 

A His Independencv, Unity, Immutability, Eternity, Infiniteness, 
Omnipresence, Omnipotency, Wisdom, Omnisc.ency Holiness B es- 
seS Sovereignty, Goodness, Mercy, Meekness, Clemency, Justice 

"■"o "how many Persons are there in the Godhead'? 

A. Three, Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost ; and every one of these is 
God', and yet' there is but One God. 

Q How many fold are the acts ot God ! 
Twofold, eternal and temporal. 
What are the eternal acts of God 1 
His Decrees. 

How many fold are bis Decrees ■! 
Twofold, general and particular. 

What is the general Decree of God ? , ., „ 

a An eternal act of God whereby he did determine to make the 
World, and dispose of all things therein. 

Q. What are the particular Decrees ot God i 
A Election and Reprobation. 

f An'efJnia/^ct'ol-'God, whereby he did determine to glorifie 
himselfin saving a certain number of persons through Faith in Christ. 

1 Au'et^niafactofSod, whereby he did determine .to glorifie 
himself in condemning a certain number c>f persons lor their sins. 
Q What are the Temporal acts of God ? 
Creation, Preservation and Government. 
How many-fold is his Government ■? 
Twofold: general and special. 
What is the eeneral Government ■? 

A temporal act of God, whereby he doth dispose of all crea- 
tures according to a general Providence 

O What is the special Government ot Uod i 

A A temporal act of God whereby he doth dispose of the reason- 
abie creature according to a special Covenant. 

How many Covenants hath God made with man ? 

A. Two Tlie Covenant of the Law, and the Covenant of the 

°Q What is the Covenant of the Law ? , „, ,. „„ 

A promise of Life on perfect and personal Obedience. 
What is the Covenant of the Gospel ? 
A promise of Life npon Faith in Christ. 
What is the Occasion of the Covenant of the Gospel . 
Sltinms Sin. 
What is Sin? 
A breach of Gods Law. 
How many kinds of Sin are there f 
Two: Original and Actual. 
AVhat is Original Sin f 
A Being contrary to Gods Law. 

What is Actual Sin ? 

A Dohig contrary to Gods Law. 

What are the effects of Sin 1 

Guilt and Punishment. 

Wliat is Guilt? 

A liableness to Punishment. 

What is Punishment ! 

An inlliction of evil for Sin ; 

eternal. i t-i .i i 

Q. How may we escape eternal Death ! 

A. By the covenant of the Gospel only. , , ., t „i 

Q. Can we not escape death by the Covenant of the Law? 

A No : because we cannot perlbrm the condition of it, which s 
peff^ct Obedience: yea by reason of the Fall of Adam, we cannot do 

''"l2.''"can'we'perform the condition of the Covenant of the Gospel? 



A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q. 

A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q- 

A. 



namely. Death temporal and 



A P P 1-: N U 1 x . 



289 



.?. Yes: because God has shewed us in his Scripluies, that he will 
help us ihrouijh Faith in Christ to peiforra the condition of it. 

Q. Wliat is Christ ; 

.i. The Eternal Son of God, and both God and Man., 

Q. What are we to consider in Jesus Christ ■? 

^1. His Natures, his personal Union, and his Offices. 

Q. How many Natures hath Chiist ? 

.1. Two; the'Nature of Goil, and the Nature of JIan ; otherwise 
called the Divine Nature and the Humane. 

Q. What is the personal union of Christ 1 

^1. The Subsistence of the Humane nature in the second person of 
the Deitv. 

Q. What are the Offices of Christ ? 

Jl. His Mediatorship, Kingship, Priesthood and Prophetship. 

Q. What is the work of Christs Office. 

^. Kedemption. 

Q. What is Redemption'? 

.4. A deliverance of the Elect from Sin and miser)', by the price 
of Christs Obedience. 

Q. How many fold is Christs Obedience? 

•i. Twofold, active and passive. 

Q. What is his active Obedience? 

.4. A Doing the will of God. 

Q. What is his passive Obedience? 

JJ. His Suffering the Will of God, even to the Death of the Cross. 

Q. What is the Application of Redemption ? 

^. A giving of the Spirit, in and with the graces of the Spirit. 

Q. What are the graces of the Spirit ? 

^. Vocation. Justification, Adoption and Glorification. 

Q. ^Vhat is Vocation ? 

.•J. A grace of the Spirit, whereby God doth give Faith and Repen- 
tance unto his elect ones. 

Q. What is Faith? 

A. A sisht of the grace of the Gospel whereby we come to cleave 
to God in Christ above all things for Salvation. 

Or else a belief that God will pardon our sins in the way of Repen- 
tance for Christs sake. 

Q. What is Repentance ? 

.4. An overcoming purpose to forsake sin, with sorrow for sin. 

Q. What is Justification ? 

^. A grace of the Si)irit whereby God doth accept and pronounce 
all those that are called, to be just unto eternal life. 

Q. What is Adoption ? 

^4. A grace of the Spirit, whereby God dolh accept and pronounce 
all those that are called, to be His Children, and heirs unto eternal life. 

Q. What is Glorification ? 

j1. a grace of the Spirit, whereby God doth translate a man out of 
the misery of sin, into blessedness. 

Q. How is the Application of Redemption made known? 

^. By the experiencing of the graces of the Spirit, and by the wit- 
ness of the Spirit helping us to discern the truth of them. 

Q. What is the subject of Redemption ? 

-4. The Church. 

Q. What are the means of applying Redemption ? 

Jl. They are especially publick Ministry and private duties. 

Q. What are the Ministerial Acts? 

jf. Preaching of the Word, Prayer, Adininistration of the Sacra- 
ments, and Discipline. 

Q. What is a Sacrament ? 

J. A visible sign instituted bj' God for the confirmation of the 
Covenant. 

Q. How many Sacraments are there ? 

j1. Two. Baptism and the Lords Supper. 

Q. What is the sign signifying in Baptism? 

JI. Water, and the washing with water. 
Q. What is the thing signified? 

j}. The blood of Christ washing away our sins unto eternal life. 

37 



Jer. 31. 33. 



Jobn 1. U. 
Heb. 2, 10. 



leaiah 9, 6. 
Kom. 9, 5. 



PhU. 2, 6 7 8, 

1 Tim. 2. 5. 
Zech. 9. H. 
Psalm nil. 4- 
Deut. IS, 13. 



Rnm. 8, 4, 
Mat. 3, 15. 
Isa. 53, 12. 



Eph. 2, 5 6. 
2 Tim. 1,9. 



Acts 2. 38. 
Mark 1, IS. 

Psalm 37, 27. 
Zcch. 12, 10. 
Hos. 14, 2 3. 



Rom. 8, 30. 

Kom. 8, 14 15 16 If 



1 Thc!..1.45C7. 
Kom. e, 15. 



Rom. 10, 13 14 IS. 

Mat 28, 19. 
1 Tim. 2. !. 
Mat 18, 17i 16,19. 



I Ptt 3, 21. 
Rom. 6, 4. 



290 



APPENDIX. 



I Cor. 11.23 24 25 26 
John 6, 51. 



Mat. 19, 17. 
Acts 20, 7. 



Mat. 24,.2. 
Hos. U. 14. 
Isoi. C3, Si. 



Dent, 4, IS, 
Mat 22, 37 38. 



Mat. 22. 29 40. 
Horn. 13, 9. 



Psalm 7.1, 25. 
1 Cor. 13, 13. 



Dcut. B. 1.1. 
Heb. 12, 28. 



Eph. 4. n 12. 
Mat. 28, 19. 



I Cor. 11. 23 24. 
Mat. 28. 17. 



Heb. 12, 28. 
Psalm 132, 7; 110,3. 



Psalm 141, 2 1 55,17. 
Acts 20, 7. 



1 Pet. 5. 5. 
Phil. 2, 3. 

Eom. 12, 18. 

1 Ssm. .30. 26 31. 

2 Sam. 9, 1. 
1 Pet. 2, 13. 



Q. What is thesien si^nifving in t\ie Lords Supper? 
.^. The Bread and Wine: the Bread broken, and the Wine poured 
out. the aiving and receiving of it. 

Q. What is the thing signified in the Lords Supper? 
,i. The Body of Christ broken on the Cross, his Blood shed for 
our sins, offered to sinners in the way of believing and received by 
Failb, for assurance of eternal life. 
What is Discipline? 

A Correction of scandalous Professors by Church Censures. 
What is the season of attending the Publick Ministry? 
Especially on the fiist day of the week, or Lords Day. 
When is Redennption consunnmatod ( 

In the Resurrection at the last Judgment, at the second coming 
of Christ. 

Q. How many Commandments are there? 
Ten. 

Into how many Tables are the Commandments divided ? 
Into two Tables. 

What doth the first Table contain ? 

Our duties towards God, orDutiesof Religious Worship, in the 
four first Commandments. 

Q. What dolh the second Table contain? 
Jl. Our Duties towards the Creature, in the six last. 
Q. What is contained in the first Commandment? 
.3. Natural Worship; in Faith, Hope, Love, Fear, hearing the 
Word and Prayer. 
Q. What is Hope ? 

A cleaving to God as our chicfest good, for Blessedness. 

What is Love ? 

A cleaving to God as the chiefest good, and deservingall Glory. 

What is Fear ? 

An admiring and adoring of Gods Holiness, and all his perfec- 



J. 
Q- 

A. 

Q. 

A. 



A. 

Q- 

A. 

Q- 

A. 



A. 
Q. 
A. 

Q- 

A. 
tions. 

Q. 
A. 
Q. 
A. 
Q. 

A. 
iiing, 

Q. 

A. 



What is contained in the second Commandment ? 
Instituted Worship; in Ministry. Sacraments, and Discipline. 
What is contained in the third Commandment ? 
A due mannei of Worship, in I'everence, devotion and alacrity. 
What is contained in the fourth Cominandment ? 
A due time of Worship, as all due seasons, Morning and Eve- 
especially on the Lords Day. 
What is contained in the fifth Commandment? 
A due respect to the good name or dignity of our Neighbour, in 



1 Cor. 13, 4. 

Luke 6, k 


A. 




Q. 




A. 


Nnrab. 12,3. 


Q- 




A. 


1 Pet. .3, 4. 


Q. 


Luke 21, 19, 


Col. 1,11. 


A. 




Q. 




A. 



Tit. 3, S. 



humility, gratitude and obedience. 
Q. VVhat is Humility? 
A. A grace which moderateth the love of excellency. 
Q. What is Gratitude? 

A. A grace which disposeth us to recompense benefits. 
Q. What is obedience? 

A. A grace which disposeth us to honour all such as are in author- 
ity, by being subject. 

Q. What is contained in the sixth Commandment? 
A. A due respect to the life of our Neighbour, in goodness, mercy, 
meekness, and patience. 
Q. What is Goodness? 

A grace which disposeth us to shew kindness to all. 

What is Mercy? 

A Krace which disposeth us to relieve all such as are in misery. 

What is Meekness ? 

A grace which moderateth anger and revenge. 

What is Patience? 

A grace which moderateth grief in Aflliction. 

What is contained in the seventh Commandment? 

A due respect to the purity of our Neighbour, in temperance, 
chastity, modestv, gravity. 
Q. What is Temperance ? 

A. A grace which moderateth affection to all sensual pleasures. 
Q. What is Chastity? 



APPENDIX. 291 

^. A grace which legalateth the lusts of the flesh. inias.i,3i«. 

Q. What is Modesty ! iTiin.2,9. 

A. A grace which restrainelh us from wantonness. 

Q. What is Gravity? iPot.3,28. 

A. A grace which inclineth us to purity. 

Q. What is contained in the eighth Commandment? 

A. A due respect to the goods of our Neighbour, in righteousness, 
liberality, and frugality. 

Q. \Vhat is Righteousness ? Rjm.is.T. 

A- A grace which inclineth us to give all men their due. °' ' " 

Q. What is Liberality 1 

A. A grace which inclineth us to communicate our goods freely to "om. 12, 13. 
our Neighbour. 

Q. What is Frugality? 

A. A grace which inclineth us to be provident and diligent in our Pro'-siiZ'- 
Calling. 

Q. What is contained in the ninth Commandment? 

A. A due respect to the innocency of our Neighbour in verity and 
fidelity. 

Q. What is Verity ? 

A. A grace which inclineth us to speak the truth for our Neigh- 2«ch.8,i8. 
hours good. 

Q. What is Fidelity ? 

A. A grace which inclineth us to keep our Promises. r'Baimi5,4. 

Q. What is contained in the tenth Commandment ? 

A. A due respect to the prosperity of our Neighbour, in rejoycing Rom.12,15. 
in his prosperity, and accepting our own portion with contentation. 

Q. What is Contentation ? 

A. A grace which inclineth us to accept our own portion, whether XP^^i^'t 
good or evil, with Thanksgiving. rhu!4,'u. 

The preceding catechism is an exact transcript from the edition of 
1714, piibhshed in Boston by Bartholomew Green It is the only copy 
I have ever seen in Newbury, and was found among the papers of 
Mr. Ichabod Cofha. As it was undoubtedly composed more than two 
hundred years ago, I have thought it worth preservation as a specimen 
of the style of the ' olden time,' and of the principles then inculcated on 
the rising generation. Its author, Mr. Jantes Noyes, died the twenty- 
second of October, 16-5G, in his forty-eighth year. 



C. Page 38. 

For the list of graduates, and other information, see letter L 

D. Page 38. 

LIST OF GRANTEES, AND GENEALOGY OF THE FIRST SETTLERS 
FRO.M 1035 TO 1700. 

From the proprietors' book of records, foUo forty-four, I make the 
following extract. 

Mr. Richard Dummer, Mr. Thomas Parker, 

Mr. Henry Sewall. Mr. James Noyes, 

Mr. Edward Rawson, Mr. John Lowle, 

Mr. Stephen Dummer, Mr. Percival Lowle, 

Mr. Edmund Greenleaf, Mr John Spencer, 

Mr. John Clarke, Mr. John Woodbridge, 

Mr. John Cutting, Mr. James Browne, 

Henry Short, Thomas Cromwell, 



292 APPENDIX. 

Nicholns Tlolt, Richanl Littlehale, 

Henry Rolle, Giles B:uli;cr, 

John ^Merrill, Samuel ScuUard, 

Thomas Hale, John Osifood, 
Joseph Peasley, . Abel Hnse, 

William Mors, Joseph Carter, 

John Goff, John Knight, 

John Stevens, Henry Lunt, 

Anthony Sliort, Thomas Browne?, 

John Pembcrton, John Hutchins, 

John Pike, senior, Daniel Thurston, 

John Musselwhite, John Poor, 

John Emery, John Pike, junior, 

Anthony Somerby, Henry Palmer, 

Richard Bartlet, William Titcoinb. 

William Moody, Nicholas Batt. 

William Franklin, Thomas Smith, 

Abrahain Toppan, William White, 

Henry Somerby, Thomas Davis, 

Walter Allen, William Ilsley, 

Thomas Silver, ' Samuel Gile, 

Henry Travers, Thomas Dow, 

Archelaus Woodman, John Swett, 

Richard Knieht, Christopher Bartlet, 

Mrs. [John] Oliver, Richard Browne, 

Stephen Kent, John Cheney, 

Richard Badger, Anthony Morss, 

William Thomas, Nicholas Noyes, 

Widow [William] Stevens, Nathaniel Weare, 

John Kelly, John Fry, 

Francis Plumer, John Baitlot, 

Robert Coker, Richard Fitts, 

William Palmer. Thomas Blumdcki, 

Thomas Coleman, George Browne, 

Nathaniel Badges, John Bond, 

William Berry, John Russ, 

Mr. [Edward] Woodman, Mr. [John] Miller. 
Richard Kent, junior. Ninety-one in all. 

' It is declared and ordered hereby, December seventh, 1042, according to the former 
intentions of the towne that the persons only abovementioned are acknowledged to be 
freeholders by the towne and to have proportionable right in all waste lands, commons 
and rivers undisposed, and such as by, from, or under them, or any of them or their 
heirs, have bought, granted and purchased from them, or any of them their right and 
title thereunto and none else.' 

Tlie number of proprietor.?, ninety-one originally, was subsequently 
increased, either by grant or purchase, to one hundred and thirteen, to 
whom, and their heirs, belonged ail unapproi)riated lands, and so forth, 
including Plum island, which was sold, in 1S27, by the proprietors, to 
Moses Pettingeli, esquire. Of the original proprietors, some returned 
to England, some removed to other towns, and some, who remained, 
sold their ' privilege of freehold,' as it was called, to others. 

Those, who are desirous of more minute information respecting the 
first settlers of Newbury, whether grantees or not, and do not place 
implicit faith in the almost universal tradition, that they are descended 
from one of just ' three brothers,' who came over with the first settlers, 
may gratify that curiosity, by exaiuining the subsequent genealogy. It 
contains all the names, which are to be found on record in any of the 
town books prior to 1700, with much additional information, which has 
been collected from various sources, with more care and lalior, and at- 
tended with greater jierplexity, than any other part of the book. Many 
people, I suppose, will look on the whole collection of names, as so 



A I' p K \ n I X . 293 

much labor lost, and refer me to Paul's exeellout advice to Titus, to 
' avoid foolish questions and genealogies, which are unprofitable and 
vain.' His advice to Timothy is more in accordance with my plan, for 
I have neither ' given heed to fables,' nor ' endless genealogies,' for 
mine end in 1700, sometimes in the middle of a I'amily. Some, I pre- 
sume, will be disappointed in not finding the facts agree with their 
tradition, and others, perhaps, will be as niucli disappointed in not find- 
ing their ancestors' names at all. Such as 1 could find, I have inserted 
with as much correctness as the materials I have been able to obtain, 
would permit. 

Among such a mass of names and dates, mistakes must be expected, 
for accidents, we are told, will happen in the best families, all imagi- 
nable pains to the contrary, notwithstanding. Those, who would be 
hotter pleased with a short, comprehensive genealogy of the whole 
human race, and one, at the same time, free froni error, must read the 
ninth chapter of Genesis : ' Shem, Ham and Japheth, and of them 
was the whole earth overspread.' As I have not room enough to trace 
the whole line of descent of the first settlers of Newbury from these 
' three brothers,' the reader must be content with that portion of it, 
which he will find in the subsequent pages. 

ACREMAN. STEPHEN m. Sara Sticknev 17 Dec. 1G84. 

ACRES. HENRY m. Hannah Silver 13 March, 167.1. Chil.— Catharine, 17 March, 

1137."). .John, 2 Oct. 1G7S. 
ADAJIS, ROBERT, tailor, from Devonshire, Salem 1638, Newhury 1640. His wife 

Eleanor d. 12 June, 1677. He d. 12 Oct. 16S2, a?. 81. His second wife Sara, widow 

of Henry Short he m. 6 Feb. 167S. She d. 24 Oct. 1607. Chil.— Abraham, b. 1639, 

Isaac, 16tS, .Jacob, 23 April, 1649, another Jacob, 13 Sept. 1651, Hannah, 25 June, 

1650, Robert, Elizabeth, Joanna, Mary, and John, 
ADAMS, ABRAHAM son of Robert, m. Mary Pettingell 16 Nov. 1670. Chil.— 

Robert, 12 May, 1674, Abraham, 2 May, 1676, d. 8 April, 1763 ag, 87, Isaac, 26 Feb. 

1679, Sara, 15 April, 1681. Matthew, 25 May, 1686, Israel, 25 Dec. 16SS, Dorothy, 25 

Oct. 1691, Richard, 22 Nov. 1693. He d. 14 June, 1714. ag. 7.5. 
ADAMS, JACOB son of Robert, m. Anna Ellen 7 April, 1677. Chil.— Dorothy, 26 

June. 1679. Rebecca, 26 Aug. 1680. He d. in Sutlield, Conn. Nov. 1717 ag. 63. 
ADAMS, ROBERT son of Robert, m. Rebekah Knisht in 1695, Chil,— Abraham, 

8 July, 1696, Rebekah, 28 Jan. 1698, Mary, 3 March, 1700, Robert, 20 Nov. 1702, 
ADAMS, ARCHELAUS son of m, Sara March 18 March, 169S. Chil.— 

Sara. 22 Jan. 1699, Mary, 29 Oct. 1701, John, 11 Oct. 1704. 
ALLEN, CHARLES m. Joanna ScoU 1703. 
ALLEN. JOHN Chil.— John, 28 Aug. 16.56, Samuel, 8 April, 1658, Joseph, IS March, 

1660, Benjamin, 30 Jan. 1662. 
ALLEN, WILLIAM, Salem, 1638. Salisbury from 1639 to 16.50. 
ALLEN. WALTER Chil.— Abigail, 1 Oct. 1641, Benjamin, 15 April, 1647. A 

Walter Allen d. in Charlestown S July, 1681, 
ALLY, THOMAS m, Sara Silver 9 Feb, 1671. 
' ALFORD, EDWARD was killed 14 July, 1683, by a fall in the ship that John Rolfe 

built.' 
ANNIS, CURMAC alias Charles, b. in Enniskellen, Ireland, in 1638, came to New- 
bury, m. Sara Chase 15 May. 1666. Chil.— Charles , Priscilla, 8 Nov. 1677, 

Hannah, 15 Nov. 1679. Anne, 28 Dec. 16S1, and probably others unrecorded. 
ANNIS, ABRAHAM m. Hannah . Chil— Charles, 10 Feb. 1604. Hannah, 19 

Nov. 1608, ,Iohn, 1 May, 1700, Stephen 1 Feb. 1702, Sara, 9 Sept, 1705, 
ANNIS, JOSEPH m. Dorothy . Chil.— Dorothy, 1 Nov. 1692, Sara, 14 March, 

1694, Aquila, 14 June, 1695. Seaborn, 1 Jan, 1697, Hannah, 19 Nov. 1696, Abigail, 25 

Sept. 1700, Jo.-icph, 14 Jan. 1703. 
APPLETON, SAMUEL of Ipswich, m. Mary Oliver of Newbury 8 Dec. 1056. 
ASLETT. JOHN m. Rebecca Ayres 8 Oct. 1618. 
ATKINSON, JOHN hatter, son of Theodore Atkinson of Bury in Lancashire, Eng. 

He was b. in Boston in 1636, was in Newbury 1603. and m. Sara Mirick 27 April, 

1664. Chil.— Sara, 27 Nov. 1665, Thomas, 27 Dec. 1669, Theodore, 23 .Ian, 1672, anj 



294 APPENDIX. 

drowned 2-1 July. 108.5, AbiJiil, 8 Nov. 1073, Samuel, 16 Jan. 1G76, Nathaniel, 29 
Nov. 1077, Eiiz-i'bpth, 20 June, ICSIl, Joseph. 1 May, 1082. 

ATKINSON, JOHN jun. probably son of John, sen. m. Sara . Cliil. — Thomas, 

10 March, 1094, .John, 29 Oct. 1G9.'), Theodore, S Oct. 169S. He m. widow Hannah 
Cheney 3 June 1700, who d. 5 Jan. 1705. Chil.— Sara, 6 Nov. 1700, Hannah, 21 
Jan. 1703. 

AYER, JOHN m. Ruth Browne 31 Oct. 1G98. Edith b. 8 April, 1702. 

AYER, OBADIAH h^id a son John b. 2 Mar. 1003. 

AYER, THOMAS had a son John b. 12 May, 10.j7. 

AYER, SAMUEL m. Ahisaii . His so'n Stephen b. 13 March, 1GS9. 

AYER, S A MUEL m. Sara . His son Jabez b. 27 Dec. 1690. 

AYER, THOMAS m. Hannah . Chil.— Abraliann, 18 June, 1G8S, Sara, 29 Aug. 

1090, ;\lehetabel. 5 Aiiril. 109.3. 

BACHILER, REV. STEPHEN b. in England in 1.501, came to Boston 5 June. 1G32, 
went to Lynn, thence in Feb. 1030 to Ipswich, thence to Matlakeese, now Yarmouth, 
in 1037, thence to Newbury in 1638. thence to Hampton in 1039. From 10-17 to 1G50 
he lived in Portsmouth, thence to England, where he died at Hackney aged about 
100 years. Chil. — Theodata, who m. Mr. Christopher Hussey, Deborah, who m. 

John Wing of Sandwich, . ., who m. a Sanborn, (and had three sons, John, Stephen, 

and William,) Nathaniel, Francis and Stephen. See Lewis's History of Lynn. 

BACHILER, JOHN of Readins, m. Sara Poore 10 Nov. 1096. 

BADGER, GILES Newbury, 103.5. Hed. 10 July, 1647. His wife Elizabeth was 
daushter of capt. Edmund Greenleaf. His son John was born 30 June, 1013. 

BADGER, RICHARD and NATHANIEL brothers to Giles, were in Newbury 1635. 
Nathaniel's wife was Hannah. 

BADGER, JOHN son of Giles, m. Elizabeth ., who d. 8 April, 1009. His second 

wife Hannah Swett he m. 23 Feb. 1071. He d. 31 M-irch, 1091, aged nearly 48. 
Chil— John, b. 4 April, 1GG4, and d. 29 July, John. b. 20 April, 1^)05, Sara. 25 Jan. 
1G07, James, 19 March. 1G09, Stephen. 13 Dec. 1671, Hannah, 3 Dec. 1073, Nathaniel, 
16 Jan. 1070, Mary, 2 May, 107S, Elizabeth, 30 April 1080, Ruth, 10 Feb. 1GS3, 
Abigail. 29 June. 1687, Lydia, 30 April. 1690. 

BADGER, JOHN son of John, m. Rebecca Brown 5 Oct. 1601. Chil.— John, 20 
Jan. 1092, James, 10 Jan. 1693, Elizabeth, 5 Feb. 1695, Stephen, 1G97, Joseph, 109S, 
Benjamin, 15 June, 1700, Dorothy, 5 June, 1709. 

BADGER. STEPHEN son of John, m. Mercy , and moved to Charlestown and 

had si.x children. 

BADGER, NATHANIEL probably son of John, m. Mary Lunt 27 March, 1G93. 

Chil.— John, 3 Jan. 1004. a son | probably Joseph] 29 Nov. 169.5, Daniel, 27 March, 

IGOS, Mehetabel, Aug. 1700, Edmund, 2' April, 1703. Mary, 8 Sept. 170,5, Mary. 13 

170S, Samuel, 14 Aug. 1710, Aime, 25 Jan. 1712, Enoch, probably in 1714. 

He then moved to Norwich, Conn, where Henry was born 23 March, 1717. 

BAILEY, JOHN sen. weaver, from Chippenham,' England, was shipwrecked at Pern- 
quid, now Bristol. Me. 15 Aug. 103-5, went to Salisbury, thence to Newbury in 1650, 
where he died 2 Nov. 1051. 

B.-MLEY, JOHN jr. son of John sen. was born in 1013, came to Salisbury and New- 
bury, mar. l^^leanor Emery, sister of John Emery sen. He died March 1691 aged 78. 
Chil.— Rebecca, 1641, John, 18 May, 1043. and d. 22 June, 1063, Joshua d. 7 April, 
1G52, Sara, 17 Aug. 1044, Joseph, 4 April, 1648, James, 12 Sept. 1050. Joshua, 17 Feb. 
1653. Isaac, 22 July, 1004, Rachel, 19 Oct. 1662, Judith, 3 Aug. 1665, and d. 20 Sept. 
160S, Rebecca. 

BAILEY, JOSEPH son of John, jun. m, Priscilla . About 1700 he moved to 

Arundel, jMe. left in 1703, returned in 1714, and was there killed by the Indians, Oct. 
1723, aged 75. Chil— Rebecca, 25 Oct. 1075, Priscilla, 31 Oct. 1070, John, 16 Sept. 
1678, Joseph. 2S Jan. 1081, Hannah. 9 Sept. 1683. Daniel. 10 June, IGSO, Mary, June, 
lORS. Judilh, 11 Feb. 109(1, Lydia. 25 Nov. 1095, Sarah, 14 Feb. 1098. 

BAILEY, MR. JAMES son of John, jun. m. Mrs. Mary Carr 17 Sept. 1672. Chil— 
Mary, July. 1073, Isaac, 22 Oct. 1681. See appendix, letter C. 

B.\1LE Y, ISAAC son of John, jun. m. Sara Emery 13 June, 10S3, who died 1 April, 
1G94. He m Rebecca Bartlet 5 Sept. 1700. Ch.— Isaac, 30 Dec. 1C83, Joshua, 30 
Oct. 1085. David, 12 Dec. 1087, Judith, 11 Feb. 1090, Sara, 11 Feb. 1692. 

BAILEY, JOHN son of , m. Mary Bartlet 2 July, 1700. Ch.— John, 10 March, 

1701, Joseph. 11 Oct. 1702. 

BAKER, JOHN was dismissed from Boston church 24 Nov. 1640, thence to Acomen- 
ticus, thence to Boston again. See Winthrop, vol, 2, p, 29. 

BARBER, THOMAS m. Anne Chase 27 April, 1071. His son Thomas b. 16 Feb. 
1072. 

BALLARD, WILLIAM b. in 



APPENDIX. . 295 

BARTLET, JOHN sen. ^vlth four others of the same sirname came to Newbury 1635. 
He had a son John. His wife Joan d. 5 Feb. 1070. He died 13 .^piil, lfi78. 

B.\I\TLE r. JOHN jun. son of John, sen. m. Sara, danshier of John Ivnighl 5 March, 
lOiiO. Ch.— Gideon, 18 Dec. IUGO, Marv, who d. SO March, ICS:;. 

B.^RTLET, RICHARD sen. shoemaker, biother to Jolin, sen. He died 25 May, 
1047, Ch. — John, Christopher, Joanna, Samuel h. 20 Feb. 1040, Richard. 

BARTLEl". RICHARD jr. son of John, sen. or Richard sen. m. Abi^'oil . She 

d. 1 M.uch, 10S7. He d. 16'J8, azed 77. Ch.— Richard. 21 Feb. 1C40, Thomas, 7 
Sept. 105(1. Abiirnil, March, 1053. John, 22 June, 1055, Hannah. IS Dec. 1057, and d. 
17 June. 1070. Rebecca, 23 May, 1001. 

BARTLET, CHRISTOPHER brother to Richard, jr. m. Mary 10 April, 

104.5. Maltha, 7 March, 1053. She d. 24 Dec. 1001. His second wife, Mary Hovt, 
he m. 17 Dec. 1003. }le died 15 March, 1070, a^ed 47. Ch.— Mary, 15 Oct. 1047, 
who (1. youns, .\nne. 28 Sept. lO.'iO. Martha, March, 10.')3, Christopher, 11 June, 1655, 
Jonathan. 5 July, 10.57, and d. 7 Dec. 17.59, John, b. 13 Sept. and d. 28 Dec. 1005. 

BARTLET, SA.MUEL son of Richard, sen. m Eiizabplh Titcornb 23 May. 1071, and 
d. 15 May 1732, aged S7. Ch.— Elizabeth, 13 May, 1072, Abigail, 14 April, 1074, 
Samuel. 28 March, 1070, Sara, 7 July, 1078, Richaid, 13 Fch. lOSO, Thomas, 13 Aug. 
lOSl, Tirzah, 20 Jan. 10S4, Lydia. 5 Nov. 1087. His wife Elizabeth d. 20 Aug. lOaO. 

BARTLET, RICHARD son'of Richard, jun. m. Hannah Emery IS Nov. 1073. Ch. 
—Hannah, 8 Nov. 1074, Richard, 20 Oct, 1070, John, 23 Sept. 1078, Samuel. 8 July, 
1080, and d. 20 Nov. 1085, Daniel, 8 Aug. 1082. Joseph. IS Nov. 1080, Samuel, 2 May, 
1080. Steplien. 21 April, 1001, Thomas, 14 July, 1005, Mary. 15 Sept. 1007. 

BARTLET. RICHARD m. Margaret Woodman, 12 April, 1699. Ch.— Richard, 27 
June. 1700, Joseph, 18 Feb. 1702. 

BARTLET. THOMaS son of Richard, jun. m. Tirzah Titcomb 24 Nov. 108.5. He 
d. April, 1089. Ch.— Elizabeth, 7 Aug. 1080, and d. 15 Oct. 1080, Tirzah, 29 March, 
1G'<9. 

BARTLET, JOHN son of Richard, jr. called 'John the tanner,' m. Mary Rust 29 
Oct. 1080. He d. 24 May, 1730, aged 81. Ch.— Mary. 17 Oct. lOSl. and d. 29 March. 
1082, John. 24 Jan. lfl83,'Mary, 27 April. 1084, Nathaniel, 18 April, 1CS5. Dorothy^ 
23 Aug. 1080, Sara, 27 Nov. 1GS7, Hannah 13 March, 1089, Nathan, 23 Pec. 1091, 
AhiL-ail. 12 Aug. 1093, Alice, 18 March, 109.5. 

BARTLET, NATHANIEL m. . Ch.— James and Mary, Dec. 1079. 

BARTLET, RICHARD 3d m. Mary Ordway IS Nov. 1702. 

BARTLET. CHRISTOPHER jun. m. Deborah Weed 29 Nov. 1677. Ch.— Christo- 
pher, 20 Feb. 1079, Deborah, 23June, 1080, Mary, 17 April, 1682. He d. 14 April, 
1711. 

BARTLET, JOHN the 4th m. Prudence Merrill 25 Nov. 1702. 

BATT, MR. CHRISTOPHER, tanner, came from Salisbury, England, to Newbury 
about Ifi , thence to Salisbury, where he resided from 1040 to 1050, thence to Boston, 
where he was accidentally shot by his own son, who was firing at a mark in his 
orchard 10 Aug. 1001. In his will, written in 10.50, is the following remarkable e.\- 
pression : 'knowing that I am at all tymes and in the most secure places and em- 
ployments subject to many accidents that may bring me to my end,' and so forth. 
Ch. — John. b. in Salisbury 1041, Paul and Barnabas, 18 Feb. 1043, Christopher, Ann, 
who m. Edmund Angier, Rev. Samuel, who was a minister in England, Jane, w'ho 
m. Dr. Peter Toppan of Newbury, Sarah, Abigail, Thomas, Timothy, Ebenezer, who 
d. 10 .\ug. 108.5, and Elizabeth, who died July. 1052. Mr. Ball was si.\ly years old 
in lOOl. His widow Ann was living in 1079. 

BATT, NICHOLAS 'linnen weaver from Devizes,' England, came with his wife 
Lucy in the James to Boston, June 3, ihence to Newbury. He d. Dec. 1077. His 
widow Lucy d. 2G Jan. 1079. Ch. — Sara. 12 June. 1040, and two other daughters. 

BEEDLE or BEDELL, ROBERT wash, in 1042. Ch.— Thomas. 30 April, 1068, 
Elizabeth. 22 Nov. 1009, Judith. 29 March, 1071 and d. 10 July, 1073. Robert, 5 Jan. 
107.5. Judith. 8 March, 1070, and d. 22 March, 1677, John, 23 April, 1078, Hannah d. 
13 Nov. 1078. 

BELCONGER, JOHN m. Mary or Sarah Kelly 12 April, 1666. His daughter Mary 
h. 7 Dec. 1000. 

BENTE, ROBERT d. 30 Jan. 1048. 

BERRY, WILLIAM Piscataqua 1032, Newbury 1635. 

BISHOP, JOHN carpenter, m. Rebecca, daughter of Richard Kent, and widow of 
Samuel Scullard, Oct. 1047. Ch.— John, 19 Sept. 1048, Rebecca, 15 May, 1650, Jo- 
anna, 24 April, 1052, Hannah, 10 Dec. 1053, Elizabeth, 31 Aug. 1655, arid d. 6 Dec. 
16.56, Jonathan, 11 Jan. 16.07, Noah, 20 June, 1058, David, 26 Aug. 1060. He removed 
to Woodbridge, N. J. and there died in Oct. 1084. 
BLANCHARD, JOHN d. of the small pox 24 July, 1078. 



296 API'ENDIX. 

BINGLEY, WILLIAM m. Elizabelh Preston 27 Feb. 1661). His son William, 24' 
Fell. 1 ii6-3. 

BLUMFIELD, THOMAS sen. an early settler, died in 1639. Cli.— Thomas and a 
' lame dnui^hler.' 

BLUMFIELD. THOMAS jnn. son of Thomas, sen. Ch.— Mary, 1-5 Jan. 1642, Sarah, 
30 Dec. 1643, John, 15 March, 1046, Thomas, 12 Dec. 164-8, Nathaniel. 10 April, 1651, 
Ezekiel. 1 Nov. 16.33. Rebecca, ]65ti, Ruth, 4 July, 165'J, Timothy, 1 April, 1664. In 
1665, he moved to Woodbridge, N. J. Gov. Joseph Bloomfield, of that state, was one 
of his descendants. 

BOLTON, WILLIAM b. in 1630, m. Jane Bartlet 16 Jan. 16.55. Ch.— Mary, 25 Sept. 
1655. His wife Jane d. 6 Sept. 16.59. He m. Mary Dennison, 22 Nov. 1G59. Wil- 
liam, b. 27 May, 166.5, Ruth, 1 Aug. 1667, Elizabeth, 23 May, 1672, and d. 17 June, 
1674, Elizabeth, 8 Nov. 1674, Sara, 5 April, 1677, Hannah, IS July, 1679, Joseph, S 
July, 1682. William d. 36 March, 1694, Sara d. 30 March, 1694. 

BOND, JOHN m. Hester Blakely5 Au2.1649. After 1660 he was in Rowley, thence to 
Haverhill, where he d. 1675. Ch.— John, 10 June, 1650, Thomas, 29 March and d. 23 
May, 1652, Joseph, 14 April, 16.53, Hester, 3 Sept. 1655, Mary, 16 Dec. 1657, Abigail, 
6 Nov. 1660. 

BOYNTON, CALEB m. Mary jMoore 24 June, 1672. His son William b. 24 July, 
167.3. 

BOYNTON, JOSHUA m. Hannah Barnet 9 April, 1678. His son William b. 26 May, 
1690. 

BOYNTON. JOSHUA m. Sara Browne, April, 1G7S. Ch.— Joshua, 4 May, 1679, and 
d. 29 Oct. 1770, as-ed 92, John, 15 July, 16S3. 

BRABROOK, JOHN came from Watertown, was nephew to Henry Short, d. in New- 
bury 28 June, 1662. His two sons were b. in Watertown in 1642 and 1643. 

BRAblNG, JAMES m. Hannah Rock 11 Oct. 16.59. Son James b. 1662. 

BRADLEY. HENRY m. widow Ju.lith Davis 7 Jan. 1696. 

BRADSTREET, DR. HUMPHREY from Rowley, m. Sara . Ch.- Dorothy, 

19 Dec. 1692. Joshua, 24 Fob. 1695, Sara, 14 Jan. 1697, Daniel, 13 Feb. 1701, He 'd. 
11 Mav, 1717. a£ed 

BRICKET. NATHANIEL m. and had ch. Nathaniel, 20 Dec. 1673, John, 3 

May, 1676, James and Mary, U Dec, 1679, Nathaniel, 23 Sept. 1683, and was 
dimvned 17 Oct. 1687. 

BRITTAIN, FRANCIS m. Hannah , son John b. 25 Dec. 169.5. 

BODWELL, HENRY b. in 1654, m. Bithia Emery, daughter of John Emery 4 May, 
1681. Bithia b, 2 June, 1682. 

BRYER. RICHARD m. Eleanor Wright 21 Dec. 1655. She d. 29 Aug. 1672. Ch.— 
Richard, 19 Aug. 1667, Elizabeth, 11 May, 1669, Ruth, 27 Dec. 1670. 

BUSBY, NICHOLAS went from Newbury to Boston where he d. 28 Aug. 1657. 

BURBANK, JOHN m. Susanna Merrill 1.5 Oct. 1663. 

BROWNE, THOMAS weaver, came to Newbury in 1635 from Malford, England. His 
wife Mary d. 2 June 165-5. Ch. — Mary, 1635, Isaac and Francis. He d. by a fall 8 
Jan. 1687.' aced 80. 

BROWNE, FRANCIS son of Thomas, m. Mary Johnson 21 Nov. 16-53. Ch.— 
Elizabeth, 17 Oct. 1654, Mary. 15 A])ril, 10.57, and d. 4 April, 1679, Hannah b. and d. 
1659, Sara, 10 May, 1603, John, 13 May, 1665, Thomas, 1 July, 1667, and d. 2 March, 
1689. Joseph, 28 Seot. 1670, Francis, 17 Slarch, 1674, Benjamin, 22 April, 1681. 

BROWNE, FRANCIS son of Francis, ra. 31 Dec. 1079. He d. 1691 aged 59. 

BROWN, JOSEPH son of Francis m. Sara . Ch.— Abigail, 6 April, 1695, 

Nathan, 18 June, 1697, Sara, 22 June. 1698, Nathaniel, 1 Aug, 1700. 

BROWN, JOHN son of Francis, m. Ruth Huse 20 Aug. 1683. dr.— John, 27 Oct, 
1683. Isaac, 4 Feb. 168.5. 

BROWNE, RICHARD Newbury, 163.5. His wife Edith d. April, 1647. He m. 
widow Elizabelh Badger, 16 Feb. 1G4S. He d. 20 April, 1661. Ch. — Joseph b. and 
d. young, Joshua, 10 April, 1642, Caleb, 7 May, 1645, Elizabeth, 29 March, 1649, 
Richard, IS Feb. 1651, Edmund, 17 July, 1654, Sara, 7 Sept. 1657, Mary, 10 April, 
1060. 

BROWNE, GEORGE brother to Richard, d. 1 April, 1642. 

BROWNE, MARGERY d. 26 March, 1651. 

BROWN, RICHARD son of Richard, m. Mary Jaqucs 7 May, 1674. His only son 
Richard b. 12 Sept- 167.5. 

BROWN, REV. RICHARD son of Richard, m. Mrs. Martha Whipple 22 April, 1703. 
Ch.— Martha, 19 Feb. 1704, John, 2 March, 1706, William, 24 Jan. 1708, Mary, 31 
Dec. 1709. 

BROWN, JOHN son of , m, IVIary Woodman 20 Feb. 1660. Ch.— Judith, 3 Dec. 

161)0. Marv, S March, 1662. 

BROWN, JOSHUA son of Richard sen. m. Sara Sawyer 15 Jan. 1669. Ch.— Joseph,. 



APPENDIX. 297 

18 Oct. 1669, Joshua, IS May, 1671, Tristram, 21 Dec. 1672, Sara, 5 Dec. 1676, Ruth, 

29 Oct. 1678, Samuel, 4 Sept. 1657. 
BROWN, ISAAC son of Thomas, m. Rebecca Bailey 22 Aug. 1661. He A. 13 May, 

1674. Ch.— Ruth, 26 May, 1662, Thomas, 15 Sept. 16G4, Re'becca, 1.5 March, 1667. 
BROWN, THOMAS sen. m. Elizabeth . Ch.— Isaac b. and d. June, 1696, Sara, 

26 April, 1697. Jl.iry, 14 Feb. 1699, Hannah. 29 June, 1700. 

BROWN, JOSEPH m. Lydia Emery 1G96. Ch.— Joseph, 1 Nov. 1699, Francis, 23 

Jime, 1702. 
BROWN, JAMES m. Hannah . Ch.— Benjamin, 21 March, 1681, Abraham, 

1683, and (I. 13 Jan. 16S4, Joseph, 19 May, 16S5, Hannah, 16 Nov. 1687, John d. 18 

Dec. 1690. 
BROWN, JAMES jun. m. Mary Edwards 28 April, 1694, who d. 5 May, 1700. He m. 

Rehekah Brown for his second wife. Ch.— Elizabeth. 14 Oct. 1096, Sara, 8 Nov. 1701. 
BROWN, MR. JAMES came from Southampton in 1634. In 1656 he is called 'late 

teacher at Portsmouth.' 
BROWN, JAMES jun. son of , m. and had ch. Mary 25 May, 1663, Abigail, 24 

Oct. 166.3, Martha, 22 Dee. 1667. 
BROWN, JOSHUA jun. son of Joshua sen. m. Elizabeth . Daughter Elizabeth, 

27 July, 1700. 

BROWN. JOSEPH m. Sara . Son Nathaniel, 1 Aug. 1700. 

CALEF, MR. JOHN m. Deborah King of Boston, 1702. Ch.— John. 3 June, 1703, 

Deborah. 21 Jan. 1705. 
CARR. JAMES b. 28 Apr. 1650. son of Georsie Carr of Salisbury, who died in 1682. 

He m. Mary Sears 14 Nov. 1677. Cti.— Mafy, l5 Dec. 1678, Hannah, 16 Oct. 1680, 

Sarah, 8 May, 1683, John, 26 Aug. 1684. Katharine. 24 Nov. 16S6, James, April, 1689, 

Hepzibah, 24 April, 1692, Elizabeth, 24 March, 1694. 
CARTER, JOSEPH Newburv, 1636, 

CHADDOCK or CHADWICK, THOMAS m. Sara Woolcott 6 April, 1675. Daugh- 
ter Sara b. 3 Oct. 1675. 
CHANDLER, WILLIAM cooper, m. Mary , who d. 29 Oct. 1666. He m. Mary 

Lord 26 Feb. 1667. Ch.— Hester, 28 Jan. 1652, William, Dec. 1667, Joseph, 19 Nov. 

1669, Samuel. 29 Feb. 1672, Mary. 18 May, 1674. His wife Mary d. 3 Oct. 1676. 

He d. 5 March, 1701 in his S5th year. His third wife Mary Carter he m. 16 

April, 1677. 
CHANDLER, SAMUEL son of William, m. Mercy .daughter Elizabeth b. 5 

Aug. 1695 
CHANDLER, WILLIAM son of William, m. Hannah Huntington 29 Nov. 1692. 

Ch.— John. 21 Nov. 1693, Joseph. 19 Oct. 1694. Jlary, 5 Oct. 1696. 
CHANDLER, JOSEPH son of William, m. Mary Hall 10 Feb. 1700. Ch.— Joseph 

and .lohn. 23 April, 1701, Samuel, 3 .March, 1703. 
CHASE. AQUILA mariner, from Cornwall, England, was in Hamplon 1640, Newbury 

1646. He m. Anne Wheeler of Hampton. He d. 27 Dec. 1670 aged 52. Ch.— 

Sarah, , Anne, 6 July, 1647, Priscilla, 14 March, 1649, Mary, 3 Feb. 1651. Aquila, 

26 Sept. 16.52, Thomas, 25 Julv. 16.54, John, 2 'Nov. 16.55, Elizabeth, 13 Sept. 16.57. 

Ruth, IS March, 1660, and d. 30 May 1676, Daniel, 9 Dec. 1661, Moses, 24 Dec. 1663. 
CHASE, THOMAS son of Aquila, m. Rebecca Follansbee 22 Nov. 1677. Ch.— 

Thomas, 15 Sept. 16S0, .lonathan. 13 Jan. 1683. Jarnes, 15 Sept. 1685, Aquila, 15 July, 

168S, Ruth. 28 Feb. 1691, Mary, 15 Jan. 169-5, Rebecca, 26 April, 1700. 
CHASE, AQUILA son of Aquila, m. . Ch.— Esther, 18 Nov. 1674, Joseph, 

25 March. 1677, Priscilla, 15 Oct. 1681. 
CHASE, MOSES son of Aquila. m. Ann Follansbee 10 Nov. 1684. Ch.— Moses and 

Daniel, 20 Sept. 1685, Moses, 20 Jan. 16S8, Samuel. 13 May, 1690, Elizabeth, 25 Sept. 

1693, Stephen, 29 Aug, 1696, Hannah, 13 Sept, 1699. Joseph, 9 Sept. 170.5. 
CHASE, JOHN son of Aquila, m. Elizabeth Bingley 23 May, 1677. Ch.— William, 

3 Jan. 1679. Philip, 23 Sept. 1688, Charles, 
CHASE, DANIEL son of Aquila, m. Martha Kimball 25 May, 1SS3. Ch.— Martha, 

18 Aug. 1684, Sarah, 18 July, 1688, Dorothy, 24 Jan. 1689, Isaac, 19 Jan. 1691. Lydia, 

1693, Mehetabel, 19 Jan. 16U5, Judith, 19 Feb. 1697, Abner, 15 Oct. 1699, Daniel, 15 

Oct. 1702. 
CHASE, JOSEPH son of m. Abigail Thurston, 8 Nov. 1699. 

CHASE, THOMAS jr. m. Sara . Ch.— Thomas, 20 Nov. 1700, Abel, 25 Feb. 

1702 Jonathan, 19 May, 1703. 
CHASE, JONATHAN, m. Joanna Palmer of Bradford, 1703. 
CHEATER, JOHN Newbury, 1644, thence to Wells, ilaine. Ch.— Hannah, 7 Aug. 

1644, Lydia, 12 Jan. 1648. 
CHISEMORE, DANIEL m. Cyprian . Ch.— Sara, 10 Sept. 1696. Abigail, 15 

May, 1699. 

38 



298 APPENDIX. 

CHENEY, JOHN shoemaker. Roxbiirv li',;j5. Newbury 1636. His wife was Mar- 
tha. Ch.— Daniel, 163.5, Sara, Feb.' 1037, Peler, 163y, Hannah, 16 Nov. 1642, 
Nathaniel, 12 Jan. 164.5, and d. 24 April, 1684, Elizabeth, 14 Jan. 1648, John, Mary, 
and Martha. 

CHENEY, DANIEL son of John, m. Sara Bailey 8 Oct. 166,5. Ch.— Sara, 11 Sept. 
1666, Judith, 16,68, Daniel. 31 Dec. 1670, Hannah, 3 Sept. 1673, Joseph, 10 July, 1676, 
Eleanor, 29 March, 1679, James, 6 April, 108.5, Daniel, sen. d. 10 Sept. 1694. 

CHENEY. PETER son of John, m. Hannah Noyes 14 May, 1663. Cli.— Peter. 6 
Nov. 1663, Nicholas, 23 Pec. 1667, Mary, 2 Sept. 1671, John, 10 May.1666, Nathaniel, 
2 Oct. 167.5, and d. 30 July, 16,77. Jemima, 29 Nov. 1077, Eldad, 24 Oct. 1681, Han- 
nah, 13 Sept. 1683, Ichabod, 22 Sept. 1085. 

CHENEY, JOHN son of John, m. Mary Plnmer 20 May, 1600. He d. 7 Jan. 1673. 
Ch.— Marv, 29 March, 1661, Martha, 11 'Sept. 1063, John', 29 Jan. 1669. 

CHENEY, 'JOHN m. Mary Chute 7 Mrrch, 1694. Ch.— Edmund, 29 June, 1696, 
Martha, 30 July, 1700, Mary. 14 Nov. 1701. John. 23 May, 170.5. 

CHENEY, PETER, jr. m. Mary . Ch.— Nicholas, 14 March, 1693, and d. 7 

Aug. 1774, Benjamin, 6 Jan. 1099. 

CHENEY, DANIEL son of Daniel, jr. m. Hannah . Son Daniel b. 16 July, 1G99. 

CHENEY, JOHN m. Mary Chute 7 March, 1694. Ch.— Edmund, 29 June, 1090, 
Mary, 14 Nov. 1701. 

CHENEY, JOSEPH m. Sarah Wiswall 1702. 

CHUTE, LIONEL of Rowley, m. Ann Cheney 1702. 

CLARK, DR. JOHN b. in Eni^land 1.598. came to Newbury 1638, moved to Boston 
16.51, where he died in l(i64 aged (»<_,. His son John was also a physician in Boston. 

CLARK. MR. NATHANIEL sen. merchant, m. Elizabeth, da'ughter of Henry 
Somerby, 23 Nov. 1003. Ch.— Nathaniel, 5 Dec. 1664, and d. 6 June, 166.5, Nathaniel, 
13 March, 1606, Thomas. 9 Feb. 1608, John. 24 June. 1670. Henry, .5 July 1673, 
Daniel, 16 Dec. 107.5. Sarah, 12 Jan. 1678, Josiah, 7 May, 1682, Elizabeth, 15 May, 
16&1, Judith, Jan. 1087, Mary, 2.5 March, 1689. Having been wounded on board of 
the ship ' Si.K Friends ' in the expedition to Canada, he there died 25 Aug. 1690 aged 46. 
His widow Elizabeth m. Rev. John Hale of Beverly. 8 Aug. 1698. 

CLARK, NATHANIEL son of Nath. sen. m. Elizabeth Toppan, 15 Dec. 1685. 
Daughter Elizabeth b. 27 July, 16S6. 

CLARK, THOMAS son of Nath. sen. m. Sara . Ch.— Sara, 25 Dec. 1690, 

Thomas, 2 Sept. 1092, Nathaniel, 23 Oct. 1694, Martha, 12 April, 1696, Mary, 16 Aug. 
1698, Daniel, 20 Jan. 1701. 

CLARK, MR. HENRY, son of Nath. sen. m. Mrs. F.lizabeth Greenleaf 7 Nov. 1095. 
Ch.— Stephen, 21 Feb. 1697, Henry, 21 Nov. 1698, Judith, 15 Aug. 1700, Sara, 7 
May, 1702. 

CLaRK, JONATHAN m. Lydia Tilcomb, 15 May, 1GS3. Ch.— Oliver, 6 Feb. 1684, 
Samuel, IS March, 1088. Jonathan, 24 May, 1689, Lydia, 17 JMay, 1691. Elizabeth, 10 
May. 1694. 

CLEMENS, ABRAHAM m. Hannah Gove 10 I\Iarch, 1683. Son Edmund b. 3 
March, 1084. He then removed to Hampton, N. H. and had seven other children. 

COATES, THOMAS and Martha had a son Philip b. 28 March, 1699. 

COLEMAN. THOMAS laborer, or ' Coultman ' as he himself wrote it, was born in 
1602, came l"rom Marlboro, Wiltshire, England, to Newbury in the James, which 
arrived at Boston, 3 ,lune lO.I.',. His /irst wife Susanna d. 17 Nov. 1650. The same 
year he removed to Hampton and m. Mary, widow of Edmund Johnson 11 July. 16,51, 
who died in Hampton 30 ,Ian. 1603. His third wife was Margery. After 1080 he 
moved to Nantucket, where he died in 1685 aged S3. Ch. — Benjamin, 1 May, 1040, 
Joseph, 2 Dec. 1642, Isaac, 20 Feb. 1647, Joanna, John and Tobias. The last was 
the son of the third wife. 

COLEMAN, SUSANNA d. in Newbury. 2 Jan. 1043. 

COLEMAN, THOJIAS m. Phebe Pearson, who d. 28 June, 1751. Ch.— Dorcas, b. 
26th, and d. 27th April, 1703, John, 8 Slarch, 1704. 

COLEMAN, EPHRAIM m. Susanna . Ch.— Ephraim, 3 June, 1701, Hannah, 

10 March, 1703. 

COOPER, JOHN m. Sarah Salmon, Jan. 170.3. 

COFFIN, MR. TRISTRAM was born in 1009 in Brixham parish, town of Plymouth 
in Devonshire, Great Britain. He was the son of Peter and Joanna Coffin. Tristram 
m. Dionis Stevens, and after the death of his father, he caine to New England in 
1642, bringing with him his mother, who died May 1601. ag. 77, his two sisters, Eu- 
nice and Mary, his wife and Hve children, Peter, Tristram, Elizabeth, James and 
John. He at first came to Salisbury, thence to Haverhill the same year, thence to 
Newbury about the year 1648, thence in 1654 or 5 he removed to Salisbury, where 
he signs his name ' Tristram Cort'yn, commissioner of Salisbury.' In 1659, a com- 



APPENDIX. 299 

pany was formpJ in Salisbury, who purchased nine-tenlhs of Nantucket, whither he 
removed in IGOO with his wile, mother and four of his children, James, John, Stephen, 
who was born in Newbury 11 May, 105J, and JIary, who was born in Haverhill 20 
Feb. liJ4o. He died 16S1 aged Ti. 

His son Peter was born in IC.'JO, and resldcd.theprincipalpart of hislife, at Dover, N. 
H. In the Boston News Letter, I find the following: 

' On Monday 21 March 171 5 died at Exeter Hon. Peter Coffin esquire in the Sath year 
of his age, late judge of his majesty's superior court of judicature, and first member 
of his majesty's council of the province, a gentleman very serviceable both in church 
and state.' 

Hon. Peter Coffin had nine children. 

COFFIN, TRISTRAM b. in 1C32, son of Tristram, merchant tailor, lived in New- 
bury, m. March 2, 10.33, Judith Somerby, widow of Henry Somerby, and daughter of 
captain Edmund Greenleaf. Ch. — Judith, b. 4 Dec. 1C53, Deborah, Nov. 10, 1655, 
Mary, Nov. 12, 16.57, James. April 22. 1659, John, Sept. 8, 1660. and d. May 13, 1677, 
Lydia, April 22, 1062. Enoch, Jan. 21 1608, and d. Nov. 12, 1075, Stephen, Aug. 18, 
1664, Peter, July 27, 1667, Nathaniel, 22 March, 1669. Tristram, jr. d. 4 Feb. 1704, 
aged 72. Judith, his widow, died 15 Dec. 1705, aged SO, leaving 177 descendants. 

COFFIN, JAMES son of Tristram, sen. 12 Aug. 1040, m. Mary Severance, of Sal- 
isbury, 3 Dec. 1603, moved to Nantucket and had fourteen children. He d. 28 July, 
1720, aged 80 years wanting 14 days. 

COFFIN, JOHN son of Tristram, sen. b. in Haverhill 13 Oct. 1647, (his first son John 
having died in Haverhill 30, 1642,) m. Deborah Austin, and had seven children in 
Nantucket. He d. 1711, aged 64. 

COFFIN, STEPHEN son of Tristram, sen. b. in Newbury 10 May, 1052, m, Mary 
Bunker and had eight or nine children, and was living in May, 1728. He d. 1735, 
aged 83. 

COFFIN, JIARY dan. of Tristram, b. in Haverhill, ra. Nathaniel Starbuck of Nan- 
tucket and had six chiMren. She died in 1717. 

COFFIN, ELIZABETH, daughter of Tristram, sen. b. in England, and m. Stephen 
Greenleaf. 

Tristram Coffin's sister Eunice m. William Butler, and sister Mary m. Alexander 
Adams of Boston. 

COFFIN, JAMES son of Tristram, jun. m. Florence Hook, Nov. 16 1685. Ch.— Ju- 
dith, 7 Oct. 1680. Elizabeth, , Sarah, .\ug. 20. 16S9, Mary, Jan. 18, 1691, Lydia, 

1692, Tristram, 19 Oct. 1694, Daniel, Jlay 10, 1696, Eleanor, May 16, 1098, Joanna, 
2 May, 1701, James and Florence, Jan. 1, 170.5. 

COFFIN, STEPHEN son of Tristram, jun. m. Sarah Atkinson, 1085, and d. 31 Aug. 

1725. Ch.— Sarah, Mav 10, 1080, Tristram, 14 Jan. 1688, Tristram, March, 1689, 

Lydia, 21 July, 1091, Judith, 23 Feb. 1093, John, 20 Jan. 1095. 
COFFIN, PE'TER son of Tristram, jun. m. Apphia Dole, and moved to Gloucester. 

Ch.— Hannah, March 3, lOSS, Judith', Oct. 9, 1093. Tristram, Aug. 10, 1096, Richard, 

, Sarah, .August 24, 1701, Apphia, , Apphia, . 

COFFIN, HON. NATHANIEL son of Tristram, jun. m. Sarah Dole, March 29 

1693. He died 20 Feb. 1748. Ch.— John, Jan. 21, 1694, Enoch, 7 Feb. 1696, Apphia, 
June 9, 1698, Brocklebank Samuel, 24 Aug. 1700, Joseph, Dec. 30, 1702, Jane, 5 Aug. 
1705, Edmund, 19 March, 1708, Moses, 11 June. 1711. The posterity of Tristram, 
jun. in 1705, was 177, in 1722, 319, and in 1728. 440. 

The family of Tristram Coffin, sen. and their descendants, have been unusually pror. 
lific. ' The first grandchild of Tristram Coffin was Stephen Greenleaf, who was born 
15 Aug. 1052. He well remembered his great grandmother, and lived to see his great 
grandchildren, and transmitted the following account of the increase of said family 
at two different periods, from August, 10.52, to August, 1722, and from August, 1722, 
to May, 1728, a period of five years and nine months, ■ reckoning only children by 
blood.' 



1722 172S 



Peter, 

Tristram, - 

Elizabeth Greenleaf, 

James, 

Mary Starbuck, 

John, 

Stephen, 



118 


83 


50 


102 


319 


225 


127 


336 


251 


200 


89 


259 


187 


162 


lOG 


241 


119 


90 


36 


117 


64 


52 


17 


69 


19 


53 


19 


64 


1138 


871 


444 


112S 


44-i 









1582 



300 APPENDIX. 

The lirst column shows the number, who were born before August. 1722, the second, 
the number then living, the third, the number, which had been added between Au- 
gust, 1722, and May, 1728, and the fourth, the number living in May, 172S. The 
whole number of his descendants, which were born between 1652 and 172S, was 
15S2, of which 1128 were living in May, 1728. 

COKER, ROBERT yeoman, bori in 1606, came to Newbury with the first settlers 
and d. 19 May, 1080,'aged 74. His wife Catherine d. 2 May, 1G78, Ch.— Joseph, 6 
Oct. 1640. Sara, 24 Nov. 1643, Benjamin, 30 June, 1650, Hannah. 15 Jan. 1645. 

COKER, JOSEPH son of Robert, m. Sara Hathorne 13 April, 1665. Ch.— Sara, who 
d. 30 Nov. 1667, Benjamin, 11 March, 1671, Sara, 28 Nov. 1676, Hathorne, 25 April, 
1679. His wife Sara d. S Feb. 16SS. 

COKER, BENJAMIN son of Robert, m. Martha Perley 31 May, 1678. Ch.— Benja- 
min, 13 Sept. 1680, Hannah, 10 March, 1683, Moses, 4 Aug. 1686, Sara, 13 April, 
1688, Mary, 18 Sept. 1691, Mercy, 22 Oct. 1693, John, 9 June, 169.8, Judith, 9 June, 
1701. 

COKER, JIR. BENJAMIN jr. son of Joseph, m. Mrs. Ann Price 24 Nov. 1692. Ch. 
—Mary, 14 May, 1693, Joseph, 23 Dec. 1694, Elizabeth, 2 Feb. 1699, Sara, 19 Feb. 
1701, Anne, 3 March, 1703. 

COTTLE, WILLIAM son of Edward, of Salisbury, came to Newbury. Ch.— Ezra, 
5 May, 1662, Ann, 12 July, 1663, Susanna, 16 Aug. 16C5. He d. 30 April, 1668. 

COTTLE, EZRA son of"Wilham. m. Mary Woodbridge 6 July, 1695. Ch.— William, 
27 July, 1696. Jlary, 31 March, 1698, Edmund, 15 Feb' 1700. 

COURTEOU.S, WILLIAM d. 31 Dec. 1054. 

CROMLON alias CROMWELL, GILES an early settler in Newbury. His first 

■wile d. 14 June, 1648. He m. Alice Wiseman 10 Sept. 1648, who d. 6 June, 

1669. Ch. — Argentine, who m. Benjamin Cram 25 Nov. 1662, and Philip, who 
was a butcher in Salem. Giles d. 25 Feb. 1673. 

CROMWELL, JOHN born in 16.36 m. Joan Butler 2 Nov. 1662. 

CROMWELL, THOMAS born in 1617, was in Newbury in 1637, moved to Hamp- 
ton in 1639, and died in Boston in 1649. 

CUTTING, CAPT. JOHN from London, settled in Chailestown, thence to Newbury, 
about 1642. He d. 20 Nov. 10.59. His widow. Mary Miller, d. 6 March, 1663. Ch.— 
Sarah, wife of James Brown, and Mary, wife of Samuel Moody. 

DAVIS, THOMAS sawyer of Marlborough, Eng. m. Christian in England, was 

in Newbury, 1641, in 1642 in Haverhill, where he died in 1683, aged SO. His poster- 
ity are numerous. 

DAVIS, JOHN an early settler, married . Ch.— Mary, 6 Oct. 1642, John, 

15 Jan. 1645, Zachary, 22 Feb. 1646, Jeremy, 21 June, 1648, Mary, 12 Aug. 1650, 
Cornelius, 15 April. 16.33, Ephraim. 29 Sept. 1655. He d. 12 Nov. 1675. 

DAVIS, JOHN son of John, m. Sara Carter 8 April, 1681. Ch.— Mary, 23 March, 
1683, Sara. 13 July, 1685, John, son of John and Mary, b. 29 July, 1692. 

DAVIS, CORNELIUS son of .Tohn, m. Sara . Ch.— Samuel, 11 April, 1689, Ju- 
dith, 2 June, 1691, Cornelius, 9 Oct. 1693, James, 5 April, 1695 and d. in 1697, Eliz- 
abeth, 15 July, 1697. His wife Sara d. 6 March, 1696. He m. Elizabeth Hidden in 
1696. 

DAVIS, EPHRAIM sou of John, m. Elizabeth . Ch.— Elizabeth, 7 April, 1690, 

John, 17 May, 1692, Mary, 20 July, 1694, Ephraim, 20 March. 1697, Joseph, 16 Nov. 
1699. 

DAVIS, ZACHARY son of John, m. Judith Brown, 4 Feb. 1681. Ch.— Judith, 7 
Sept. 16S4 and d. 9 Dec. 1702, Elizabeth, 20 Anril, 1687. 

DAVIS. WILLIAM of Haverhill, m. Mary Keily 31 Dec. 1700. 

DANFORTH, WILLIAM was born in London in 1653, and came to Newbury as 

early as 1667. He m. , who died 18 Oct. 1678. His second wife was Sarah 

Thurlow. Ch.— William, Mary, Richard. 31 Jan. 1680, John, 8 Dec. 1681, and d. 
Oct. 1, 1772, aged 92. Jonathan, '18 May, 1685, Thomas, 11 Sept. 1688, Francis, 15' 
March, 1691, .Toseph, 12 May, 1694. 

DAVISON, MR. DANIEL came from Ipswich to Newbury, m. Mrs. Abigail Coffin, 
of Dover. Ch.— Nicholas, 16 May, 1680, Sara, 1 Feb. 1682. Daniel, 23 May, 1686^ 
Mary, 21 May, 1089, Peter, 20 Oct. 1092. 

DELANE, PHILIP probably a Frenchman, came to Newbury from Portsmouth in 
1694 with his wife Margery and two children. His wife died 26 Aug. 1694. In 1695 
he m. Jane Atkinson. Ch. — Daniel. 24 June. 1694. Charles, Oct. and died in Dec. 
1698, Paul, 16 Oct. 1699, Joseph, 22 Juno, and died Nov. Hi, 1702, Eve, 10 July and 
d. IS Sept. 1701, James. 16 Aug. 1704. 

DOGGETT, JOHN m. 22 June, 1697. 

DOLE, RICHARD merchant, b. in Bristol, England, 1624. came to Newbury 1639 
He m. Hannah Rolfe 3 Mny, 1647, who d. 16 Nov. 1678. His second wife was Han 



APPENDIX. 301 

nah, widow of Capt. Samuel Brocklebank, of Rowley, whom he m. 4 March, 1679. 
His thirJ wife was Patience Walker, of Haverhill. Ch. — John. 10 Aug. 1G48, Rich- 
ard, 6 Sept. 16.50, Anna, 26 March. 16.53, Benjamin. 14 June, 1654. Joseph. 5 Aug. 1657, 
William, 10 April, 1660, Henry. March, l'C63. Hannah, 23 Oct. 1605, Apphia, 7 
Decenr:ber, 1668. Abner, 8 March, 1672. RicharJ. sen. d. 

DOLE, :MR. JOHN son of Richard, was a physician. He m. Mrs. Mary Gerrish, 23 
Oct. 1676. Ch. — Hannah. 16 Auj. 1677, Benjamin, 16 Nov. 1679, Mary, 14 Nov. 
1681, Sara, 11 Dec. 1683, .Tohn, 16'Feb. 16S0, Moses, 24 Dec. 1688, Elizaheth, 16 Aug. 
1692. 

DOLE, RICHARD son of Richard, m. Sara Greenleaf 7 June, 1077. Ch.— Richard, 

28 April, 1678. d. Aug. 1764. aged 86, Elizabeth, 21 Dec. 1080, Sara, 14 Feb. 16S1, 
Hannah, f) Dec. 1682, John, 2 Feb. 1684, Stephen, 2 Dec. 1086, Stephen, 1687, Joseph, 
5 Dec. 1689, Mary, 1 July. 1694. 

DOLE, MR. BENJAMIN son of Richard, was a physician in Hampton, N. H. He 
m. Frances, daughter of capt. Samuel Sherbuine, 11 Dec. 1700. Ch. — Jonathan, 
Mary, and Love. He d. in 1707, aged 53. She died 15 Aug. 1744, aged 07. 

DOLE, WILLIAM son of Richard, m. Mary Brockleliank 13 Oct. 1684. Ch.— Wil- 
liam, 12 Jan. 1685, Hannah. 28 March, 1686, Mary, 1 Feb. 1688. Richard, 31 Dec. 1689, 
Jane, 23 Jan. 1692. Patience, 8 April, 1694, Apphia, 13 May, 1696, Samuel, 1 June, 
1699, Benjamin, 2 July, 1702. 

DOLE, HENRY son of Richard, m. Sara Brocklebank. Ch.— Apphia, 28 Feb. 1688, 
and d. 9 Oct. 1694. Sara, 12 Feb. 1690. 

DOLE, ABNER son of Richard, m. Mary Jewett 1 Nov. 1694, who d. 25 Nov. 1695. 
He m. Sara Belcher, of Boston, 5 Jan. 1679. Ch— Henry, 28 Oct. 1695, Nathaniel. 

29 March. 1701, Sara, 14 Jan. 1703, Abner, 19 May, 1706. 

DOW, THOMAS an early settler, m. Phebe . Ch.— Stephen, 29 March, 1642, 

Mary, 26 April, 1644, Martha, 1 June, 1648, John and Thomas. He died in Haver- 
hill, 31 May, 1654. 
DOWNER, JOSEPH m. Mary, daughter of John Knight 9 July, 1660. Ch.— Mary. 

IS March, 1662. Joseph, 25 March, 1666, Andrew, 25 July, 1672. 
DOWNER, JOSEPH son of Joseph, m. Hannah . Ch.— Joseph, 29 Sept. 1693, 

John, 15 March, 1095. Andrew, 14 May, 1697, Samuel, 12 April, 1699, Richard, 11 

Feb. 1702, Hannah, 16. Feb. 1704, Benjamin, 24 Feb. 1706. 
DOWNER, ANDREW son of Joseph, m. Susanna Huntington 28 Dec. 1699. Ch.— 

John, 22 Oct. 1700, Maty, 22 May, 1702, Gideon, 5 Sept. 1703. 

DOW, MOSES m. Sara . Daughter Mary, 13 Aug. 1694. 

DUMMER, MR. RICHARD came from Bishopstoke, England, in 1632, to Ro.xbury, 

thence to Newbury, 1036. His second wife, Mrs. Francis Burr, he married about 

1043. Ch.—Sliubael, 17 Feb. 1636. Jeremiah, 14 Sept. 164-5, Hannah, 7 Nov. 1647, 

Richard. 13 Jan. 16-50, William. IS Jan. 1659, Richard sen. d. 14 Dec. 1679, aged 88. 

Frances, his wife d. 19 Nov. 1682, aged 70. 
DUMMER, JEREJMIAH son of Richard, moved to Boston, where he died 25 May, 

1718, in his 73d year. His son Jeremy was a most distinguished scholar, and 

the agent for Massachusetts in England. He died in Plaistow, England, 19 May, 

1730. 
DUMMER, MR. RICHARD son of Richard, m. Mrs. Elizabeth Appleton 12 Nov. 

1673. He d. 4 July, 1689. aged 44. Ch.— Hannah, 12 Aug. 1674, John, 8 Aug. 1676, 

Richard, 21 July, and d. Sept. 1678, Richard, 22 June, 1680, Elizabeth, 28 July, 1682, 

Nathaniel, 1685, and d. 27 Feb. 1767, Shubael, 10 Jan. 1687. 
DUMMER, THOMAS and STEPHEN brothers to Richard, sen. Thomas lived in 

Salisbury. Stephen m. Alice Archer. Ch. — Jlehetabel, 1. Jan. 1640, and Jane, who 

m. Henry Sewall. 
DUMJIER, REV. SHUBAEL son of Richard sen. See list of graduates. 
DUNKIN, SAMUEL Newbury, 1638. 
EASTMAN, PHILIP m. Mary Morse 22 Ang. 1678. 
EASTON, MR. NICHOLAS tanner, came from Wales, was in Ipswich 1634, and in 

Newbury in 1635. In 1639, he moved to Portsmouth, R. L thence to Newport. He 

d. 167-5, aged 83. 
EASTON, JOHN son of Nicholas, died in 1705, in Rhode Island, in his 85th year. 
EASTOW, WILLIAM came to Newbury thence to Hampton in 1639. He died 23 

Nov. 16.5.5. Ch. — Sara, who ni. Maurice Hobbs, and Mary, who m. Thomas Marston., 
EELS, JOHN 'bee-hive maker,' came to Newbury, 1645, and died 25 Nov. 1653, aged 

78. 
ELDREDGE, REBECCA d. 15 Nov. 1657. 
EMERY, ANTHONY carpenter, came from Romsey, England, in June, 1635, in the 

ship James to Newbury, thence to Dover as early as 1644, Ihence to Kiltery. 
EMERY, JOHN carpenter, brother to Anthony, came with him to Newbury in 1635. 



302 A V P E N I) I X . 

lie Jieil 3 Nov. lljSLl, asjecl 85. Cli. — John, liorn in Enjlaml, about 1029. • Ehaiezn; 
a (lauuhler, 10 Sept. IGtS, being Monday morning two homes before day,' Jonathan. 
13 May, 16.T2. 
EMERY, JOHN son of John, sen. m. Mary Webster, widow of John Webster, of Ip- 
swich, 'JO Oct. 1G50. Cli.— Mary, 24 June, 16.52, Hannah, 26 April, 1C54, John, 12 
Sept. 16.56, Bethia, l.j Oct. 16.58. Sarah, 26 Feb. 1061, Joseph, 23 March, 1663, Stephen, 

Sept. 1O60, Abigail, 10 Jan. 1669, Samuel, 20 Dec. 1070, Judith, -5 Feb. 1673, Lydia, 
19 Feb. 167.5, Elizabeth. S Feb. 16S0, Josiah, 28 Feb. 16S1. John Emery, d. in 1693, 
aged 6-5. Mary, his widow, d. 28 April, 1094. 

EMERY, JONATHAN son of John, sen. m. Marv Woodman 29 Nov. 1676. Ch.— 

Mary, 25 Sept. 1677, Jonathan, 2 Feb. 1679. David,"28 Sept. 1082, Anthony, 13 Nov. 

1684, Stephen, 13 Jan. 1687, and d. 8 Oct. 1688, Sara, 18 Dec. 1688, Stephen, 24 June, 

1692, Edward, lU Nov. 1094. 
EMERY', JOHN son of John, jun. m. Mary Sawyer 13 June, 1083. Ch.— Mary, 2.5 

Dec. 1084, John, 29 Sept. 1086, Josiah, 19 Dec. 108S. Daniel, 15 June. 1093, Lydia, 29 

April, 1698, Samuel, 25 Oct. 1699. His wife Mary died 3 Nov. 1699. He then m. 

Abigail Bartlet. 27 May, 1700. 
EMERY, STEPHEN son of .Tohn, jun. m. Ruth Jaques, 29 Nov. 1692. Ch.— Anna, 

lU Oct. 1093, Sarah. 1 Jan. 1090, Ruth, 16 June, 1098, Mary, 15 Dec. 1700, Judith, 25 

Feb. 1703, Abigail, 4 May, 1705. 
EMERSON, LT. JOHN m. Judith . Ch.— John, 25 June, 1090, Daniel, 15 Jan. 

1093, Benjamin. 2 March, 1690, Samuel, 2 Nov. 1699, Jonathan. 10 Aug. 1702. 
EWILL, JOHN d. 31 July, 1080. 
EVANS, PHILIP m. Deborah . Ch.— William, 13 Oct. 1687, Elizabeth, 8 Nov. 

1689, John, 30 April, 1092, born in Ipswich. 
FANNING, WILLIAM m. Elizabeth Allen, 24 March, 1068. Ch.- Joseph, 1 Jan. 

1669, Benjamin, 2 April, 1671, William, 10 Nov, 1673, James, 24 July, 1676, Elizabeth, 

6 March, 1081. 
FAY, HENRY weaver d. 30 June, 1055. 
FOLLANSBEE, THOMAS m. Sara . Ch.— Francis, 22 Oct. 1677, Hannah. 10 

April, 1080. 
FOLLANSBEE, THOMAS jun. m. Abigail . Ch.— Marv, 4 April, 1695, Thomas, 

98 March, 1(;97, Francis, 13 June, 1009, William, 14 March, 1701. 
FOLLANSBEE, SARA d. 6 Nov. 1683. 

FIELD, JOHN m. Sara . Son John b. 19 Jan. 1095. 

FIFIELD, WILLIAM came early to Newbury, and in 1639 removed to Hampton, 

where he 'died 18 Dec. 1700, aged above 80.' 
FITTS, alias FITZ. came from Ipswich, to Newbury. He m. Sara Ordway 8 Oct. 

16-54. He died 2 Dec. 1672. She died 24 April, 1667. 
FORMAN, JOHN had children, Abigail, 10 Nov. 1670, John, 5 Oct. 1078. 
FLOOD, PHILIP came fiom Guernsey to New Jersey, thence to Newbury about 

1680. He m. Mary . Ch.— Joseph, 12 May, 1084, Hester, 15 May, 1686, Mary, 

18 July, loss, Henry, 14 Aug. 1689, John, 11 Nov. 1693, Richard, 25 Feb. 1696, Ra- 
chel, 18 March. 169S, Phili|i, 24 April, 1700, Benjamin 2 May. 1705. 
FRAZER, COLLIN m. Anna Stuart 10 Nov. 1683. Ch.— Symon, 19 Aug. 1686, John, 

1 April, loss, Hannah, 31 Aug. 1092, John, 12 June, 1694, Ebenezer, 27 July, 1696, 
Gershom, 8 Aug. 1697, Nathan, 8 Jan. 1700, Abigail, 21 April, 1701, Lawson, 14 Sept. 
1704. 

FRYER, MR. NATHANIEL of Boston in 1057, then in Portsmouth, N. H. m. Mrs. 
Dorothy Woodbridge of Newbury Oct. 1079. 

FRY', JOHN wheelwright, came early to Newbury, thence to Andover in 1645, where 
he died iii 1698, aged 02 years and 7 months. Ch. — John, Samuel, James, Benjamin, 
and Elizabeth. 

FREEZE, JOHN m. Mary Merrill 2 June, 1697. 

FRANKLIN, WILLIAM blacksmith, in Ipswich, 1634, Newbury, 1035, in Boston, 
1042 or 3, in Ro.vhury, 1044, and was hung for murder the same year. He m. Alice, 
daughter of Robert Andrews. Ch. — William, John, Benjamin, Eleazer and Elizabeth. 

GARLAND, JACOB son of John, of Hampton, m. Rebecca Sears, 17 June, 1082. 
Ch. — Jacob, 26 Oct. 1682, Rebecca, 3 Dec. 1683, and eleven others born afterward in 
Hampton. 

GAGE, SARA widow, died 7 July, 1680. 

GALE, DANIEL of Salem, m. Rebekah Swett, 1700. 

GERRISH, CAPT. WILLIAM came from Bristol, England, to Newbury, about 1640. 
He m. Mrs. Joanna Oliver, 17 April, 164-5, widow of Jlr. John Oliver. In 167S he 
moved to Boston, and died in Salem, 9 Aug. 1687, aged 70. His wife .Toanna d. 14 
.lune. 1677. Ch.— John. 15 Mav, 1646, Abigail, 10 May, 1647. William, 6 June, 16-l.S. 
Joseph, 23 March, 1650, Benjaniin, 13 Jan. 1652, Elizabeth,- 10 Sept. 16.54, Moses, 9 
Jklay, 1656, Mary, 9 May, 1058, Anna, IS Oct. liUiO, .ludith, 10 Sept. 1002. 



APPENDIX. 303 

GERRISH, MR. MOSES son of capt. William, m. Jane Sewall, 24 Sept. 1C.77. Cli.— 

Joanna, 3 Oct. 1C7S, Joseph, 20 5Iarch. lOS-2, Sara, 25 Dec. 1683, Elizabeth, 27 Dec. 

leSo. Marv, 20 Sept. lCiS7. John, 2 ."Kpiil, IhO.l He died 4 Dec. 1004. aged 3S. 
GERRISH,' DR. WILLIAM son of capt. William, m. Ann , in Um. He was a 

physician in Charlestown, and there died, 10 May, 1083, aged 35. llis son William 

was born in Newbury, 21 Jan. 1074. 
GILE, SAMUEL an early settler in Newbury, removed to Haverhill in 1610. He m. 

Judith D.avis, 1 Sept. 1047. Ch. — John, Samuel, Ephraim, and Sara. He died in 

Haverhill. 21 Feb. 1084. 
OILMAN, MR. NICHOLAS of E.\-eter, m. Mrs. Sarah Clark, 9 June, 1097. 
GIL:\IAN. maverick m. Sara Mayo, 10 June. 1702. 
GODFREY. PETER m. Mary Browne, 13 May. lli.JO. Ch.— Andrew, 3 March, 10.57, 

Mary, 21 Oct. 1659, and d. 3 Nov. Mary,23 Jan. 1001, Margaret, 9 Oct. 1003, Elizabeth, 

8 Feb, 1667, Peter, 14 Nov. 1669. Joanna, 10 Nov. 1072, James, 9 March, ir)77, Sara, 7 

April, lOSO. He d. 5 Oct. 1097, aged GO. She .lied 10 April, 1 710, in her Slst year, 
GODFREY, JAMES son of Peter, m. Hannah Kimball, 10 Feb. 1700. 
GOFFE, JOHN came to Boston with Gov. Wintlirop, in 1030, lived in Watertown, 

thence to Newbury, where he died 9 Dec. 1041. His wile's name was Amy, children, 

Susan and Hannah, 
GOODALE, RICHARD from Yarmouth, England, came to Newbury about 1638. 

In 1640 he moved to Salisbury, and there died, Oct. 1066, Ch, — Ann, who m, Wil- 
liam Allen, and Richard, who moved to Boston. 
GOODALE, MRS. ELIZABETH from Yarmouth, died in Newbury, 8 April, 1047. 

Ch. — Susanna, who m. Abraham Toppan, Joanna, who m. J\Ir. John Oliver. 
GOODRIDGE, WILLL\M had sons Benjamin, Joseph, and Jeremiah, who were sons 

in law to John Hull, 
GOODRIDGE, BENJAMIN son of William, m. Mary Jordan, 8 Sept, 1603, Ch,— 

Joseph, July, 1007, Daniel, 3 Mar. 1670, John, 1 Jan. 1074, son of Deborah, his 

second wife, who d, S Nov. 1070. On the 16th of November, 1678, he m. Sarah 

Croad, Son Samuel b, 15 Aug, 1081. 
GOODRIDGE, JOSEPH son of William, born in 1040, m. Martha Moores 2S Aug. 

1664. Ch,— Hannah, 27 July, 1665, John, 13 Sept, 1667, d, 9 Mar. 1756, ag, S9, Ed- 
mund, 14 June. 1672, Abigail, 17 Sept. 1075, Martha, 2 Feb. 1681, Margaret, 11 Oct. 

1683, Joseph. 21 Oct. lOSS. 
GOODRIDGE, JEREMIAH son of William, m. Mary Adams 15 Nov. 1660. Ch.— 

Mary, 21 Nov. 1603, William, 2 Aug. 1665, Philip, 23 Nov. 16B9, Elizabeth, 27 Feb. 

1679, Hannah, 15 Nov. 16S1, John, 20 May, 1085. 
GOODRIDGE, EDMUND m, Hannah Dole, 16 Nov. 1702. His son Edmund b. 2 

Sept 1703. 
GOODRIDGE, PHILIP son of Jeremiah, m. Mehetabel Woodman 16 .\pril, 1700, 

Ch.— Benjamin. 3 Feb. 1701, John, 2 Aug. 1702, 
GOODRIDGE, DANIEL m, Mary Ordway, 1698. His daughter Mary b. 19 Sept. 

1699. 
GLADING, JOHN m. Elizabeth Rogers 17 July, 1666, Ch,— Susanna, 6 Oct, 1008, 

John, 11 Oct. 1070, William, 25 July, 1673, Elizabeth, 15 Sept. 1676, Mary, 14 Jan. 

1679, Hannah, 8 November. 1681. 
GOODWIN, EDWARD of Salisbury m. Susanna Wheeler 5 June, 1668, 
GOODWIN, EDWARD m, Martha . Ch,— Sara, 30 April, 1703, Lazarus, 11 

July, 1705, 
GOODWIN, RICHARD m, Hannah Major 20 March, 1092, Ch,— Hannah, 18 Jan. 

1693, George, 21 July, 1095, Richard, 8 May, 1098, Susanna, 15 Jan. 1701, 
GRANT, JOHN m, Sarah . Ch.— Sarah, 10 April, 1691, William, 1 Nov. 1094, 

Joanna, 2 April, 1097, Abraham. 2 Jan. 1702. 
GRANTHAM. ANDREW d, 15 Dec, 1008, 
GREENLAND, DR, HENRY was born in 1628, He resided in Newbury from 1662 

to 167.5. 
GRANGER, LAUNCELOT m, Joanna, daughter of Robert Adams, 4 Jan, 1654. 

Ch.— John, 15 Jan, 16.55, George, 28 Nov, 1658, Elizabeth, 13 March, 1002, Dorothy, 

17 Feb. 1065, Samuel, 26 July,'l668, Abraham, 17 April, 1073, 
GREENLEAF, MR, EDMUND dyer, came early to Newbury, with his wife Sara, 

About 1050 he removed to Boston, and there died, 1071, Ch, — Judith, b, 1028, who 

m Henry Somerby, and then Tristram Codin, jun, Stephen, 1630, Elizabeth, who m. 

Giles Badger, and then Richard Brown, a son Enoch, and a daughter, who m. 
GREENLEAF, DANIEL died 12 Oct, 1054, 
GREENLEAF, STEPHEN son of capt, Edmund, m. Elizabeth CofHn, daughter of 

Tristram Coffin, sen. 13 Nov. 1051. Ch.— Stephen, 15 Aug. 1652, Sarah, 16 Oct. 

1655, Elizabeth, 9 April, 1660, John, 21 June, 1662, Samuel, 30 Oct. 1665, Tristram, 



304 APPENDIX. 

11 Feb. IfiGS, KJmund, 10 May, 1G70, Judith, 13 Oct. 1673, and d. 19 Nov. 1678, Mary, 

6 Dec. 167G. Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf died Ifl Nov. 1678. Cajit. Greenleaf m. Mrs.' 

Esther Swett, 31 March, 1079, who d. Ki Jan. 1718, aged 89. He d. 1 Dec. 1G90 a^ed 00 
GREENLEAF, STEPHEN son of Stephen, m. Elizabeth Gerrish 23 Oct° 1676. 

Ch.— Elizabeth, 12 Jan. 1078, Daniel, 10 Feb. 1G80, Stephen, 31 Auk. and d. 15 Oct. 

loss, William, 1 April, anil d. 1.5 A|)ril, 1084, Joseph, 12 April, 1686, Sara, 19 July, 

16S8, Stephen, 21 Oct. 1690, John, 29 Aug. 1693, Benjamin, 14 Dec. 1695, Moses, 24 

Feb. 1608. 
GREENLEAF, JOHN son of Stephen, m. Elizabeth Hills, 12 Oct. 168.5. Ch.— 

Elizabeth, 30 Julv, 1G86, Jane, 10 Nov. 10S7, Judith, 15 July, 1689, and d. 30 Sept. 

1090, Daniel, 24 Dec. 1G90, Pai ker, 20 Feb. 169.5, Martha, 23 April, 1699, Benjamin, 

21 Nov. 1701. He died 24 June, 1734, as. 72. 
GREENLEAF, SAMUEL son of Sleplien, m. Sara Kent 1 March, 1686. Ch.— 

Daniel, 28 Feb. 10S7, John, 13 Oct. 1688, Stephen, 27 Aug. 1690, Sarah. 3 Nov. 1692. 

He d. fi Au2. 1604, aged 29. 
GREENLEAF, TRTSTRAM son of Stephen, m. Margaret Piper 12 Nov. 1689. 

Ch.— Nathaniel, 25 Jan. 1G92, and d. 19 Dec. 1775. ag. 84, Elizabeth, 16 March, 1693, 

Stephen, IG April, 1094, Edmund, 24 June, 1695, Sarah, 27 March, 1697, Judith, 28 

Sept. 1098, Mary, 28 Sept. 1099. 
GREENLEAF, EDMCND son of Stephen, m. Abiiail Somerby 2 July 1691. Ch.— 

Judith, 15 Dec. 1692, Rebecca, b. and d. 29 Sept. 1693, Abigail, 6 March, 1695, Mary, 

10 Sept. 1697, Rebecca, 22 Feb. 170U, Edmund, 10 Feb. 1703. 

GREELEY, JOHN m. Elizabeth . His son Parker b. 20 Feb. 169.5. 

H.'VLE, THOMAS glover, with his wife Tamosin, alias Thomasine. came to New- 
bury in 1035 He ij. 21 Dec. 16S2, aged 78. She d. 30 Jan. 1GS3. Ch.— Thomas, b. 

1033, John, 1036, and Samuel. 
HALE. THOMAS jun. son of Thomas sen. m. Mary Hutchinson of Danvers, 26 

May, 1657. He died 22 Oct. 1688. Ch.— Thomas, 11 Feb. 1658, Mary, 15 July, 1660, 

Abigail, 8 April, 1662, Hannah. 29 Nov. 1G03, Lydia, 17 April, 1666, Elizabeth, 16 

Oct. 16GS, Joseph, 20 Feb. 1071, Samuel, 6 June, 1674. 
HALE, JOHN son of Thomas, sen. m. Rebecca Lowle 5 Dec. 1660, who d. 1 June, 

1662. He m. Sarah Somerby 8 Dec. 1663, who d. June, 1672. His third wife was 

Sarah Symonds, who d. 19 Jan. 1699. Ch.— John, 2 Sept. 16G1, Samuel, 15 Oct. 

1664, and d, 1072, Henry, 20 Oct. 16G7, Thomas, 4 Nov. 1668, Judith, 5 July, 1670, 

Joseph, 24 Nov. 1674, Benjamin, 11 Aug. 1676, and d. Aug. 1677, Moses, 10 July, 1678. 
HALE, SAMUEL son of Thomas, sen. m. Sarah Ilsley, 21 July, 1673. 
H.ALE, JOHN jun. son of John, sen. m. Sarah Jaques 10 Oct. 1683. Ch.— Rebecca, 

18 Feb. 1084, John, 24 June, 1CS6, Richard, 21 April, and d. Sept. 1688, Henry, 28 

Aug. 16S9, and d. 1692, Richard, 9 Nov. 1C90, Stephen, 12 April, 1693, Anne and 

Mary, 3 Jan. and d. 6 Jan. 1701, Anne, 24 Oct. 1703. 
HALE, CAPT. THOMAS son of Thomas, jun. m. Sarah Northend 16 May, 1GS2. 

Ch.— Thomas, 9 March, 16S3, Edna, 21 Nov. 1684, Mary, 28 April, 1687, Ezekiel, 13 

May, 1689, Nathan, 2 June, 1691, Sarah, 9 March, 1693, Ebenezer, 21 April, 1695, 

Daniel, 22 Feb. 1697, Hannah, 7 June, 1G99, Joshua. 17 March. 1701. 
HALE, HENRy son of .John, m. Sarah Kelly 11 Sept. 1695. Ch.— Thomas. 15 Nov. 

1006, Sarah, 21 Oct. 1698, Enoch, 11 Oct. 1702, Enoch and Edmund, 7 Oct. 1703. 

Edmund m. Martha Sawyer 16 May, 1728, and d. May, 1788, aged 85. 
HALE, MR. JOHN alias REV. JOHN of Beverly, m. Mrs. Sarah Noyes 31 March, 

IGSl, and Mrs. Elizabeth Clark of Newbury, 8 Aug. 1698. She was widow of 

Nathaniel Clark, and daughter of Henry Somerby. 
HALE, JOSEPH son of John, m. Mary , who d. IG Apr. 1753, aged 75. Ch.— 

Judith, 22 Sept. 1700, Mary, 25 March, 1703. He d. 24 Jan. 1755, agedSO. 
HALE, MR. MOSES m. Mrs. Elizabeth Dummer 1704. 
HALL, JOSEPH m. Mary Moody 1700. Judith was born 22 Sept. 1700. 
HAYNES, JONATHAN m. Mary Moulton Jan. 1674. Ch.— Mary, 14 Nov. 1675, 

JVrary, 2 Oct. 1677, Thomas, 14 May, 1680, Jonathan, 3 Sept. 1684. He afterward 

removed to Haverhill, and was there killed by the Indians 22 Feb. 1698. 
HART, MR. LAWRENCE m. Dorothy Jones 12 Feb. 1079. Ch.— Lucv, 31 Dec. 

1679, BTarv, 17 July, and d. 2 Aug. 1681, Anne, 20 Sept. 1682, Charles, 12 May, 1684, 

Anne, 12 Oct. 10S.5, Lawrence, 16 .%pril, 1GS7, John, IS April, 1689. 
HARDY, or HARDIE, GEORGE m. Mary . Cli.- Mary b. 2 Feb. 1693. He 

d. G Dec. 1694. 
HAZELTINE, SAMUEL of Bradford m. Emma Kent, .Tan. 1, 1701. 
HEATH, B.ARTHOLOMEW was born in 1600. His son John was born 15 Aug. 

1643. 
JiE.ARD, LUKE Newbury, thence in 1640 to Salisbury, thence to Ipswich. He na. 

Sarah Wyatt of Assington in England. He d. in 1647 leaving sons Edward and John. 



APPENDIX. 305 

?!5?J/,^,'^' RlCHAliD iKul a son Shubael b. 7 Dec. 1671. 

S?r 7o *;,^^'^^^"-'*'"'^' '"■ ^''"■'ha Calef of Boston 1700. 

Ln^:.f, W u f^^^''-';-" '" '"'^?' ^''="" ^^"k'^"''' 1638, in Charlestown, 1639 
T nn, % M ^1 '™™ 1 '■*' '" 1,°-^'^' ""'"« >" Newbury, and m. Anne, widow of Henry 
Lunt, S March, low. He d.ed 5 Feb. 1 CSS, aged So! His first w,fe was Hannah 
- — . His second, Helen Atkinson, hem. Jan. IGafi. Ch.— Samuel Wavt (iershom 
Hannah, and three o(her daughters, who. m. a lilanchard .n (Z"!'llx-tl:„' 



c ' , , .i't-"Ll-L son ot Joseph, m. Abigaii Wheeler 20 May, 1679 Ch ■ 

s n;, ,, io T " K .f? ■ "^^;' ''il'',''- " ^"- I'^SS, Henry. 23 April, IGSS. VVilbam 
LdHa^;''^rtK^ ^'^^^!:^':?±':»?^!;'- 1««3, Abigail, 27 5n,;e, 1095, Jantes 



nannan and three „(her daughters, who m. a lilanchard, a Green, and a Vinton. 
nti^LS, iMK. .SA.MLLL son ot Joseph, m. Abirail WhonU,. on m„., ,e-n r; 
Samuel, 16 Feb. IGSO, Joseph, 21 July, 1681, I> 
Oct. 1084, Abigail. 2 Sept. I6S0, andd. 11 Au"- 
8 Oct. 1689. Josiah. 27 July. 1691,'!rohn, 20 Sepl 
and Hannah. 2-5 Feb. 1697," Daniel, 8 Dec. 1700. 

"'iOT-^°w;,v?\ -^Jr^'V "^T '°/'j™°"'.h. ''"m London, in 1621. thence to Dover in 
1623, with his brother Edward, thence in 1C41 to Newbury. Ch.-Sarah June 164] 

165" ' A U?;r'"'V^,""' '- f^h ''i^'' =''^'''"^"^' « ^-^ '»50 AniUam 2S'J i; 

Lt'^^i,.^ "'"°"v P™'?^'''^;!''' '"'"'= P"^°"' d- i" Charlestown 7 Sept. 1675 

HORRS' M A HRT'nP "xT ^r""' t*'">' ^''^■^' ='"'* ^'"^"^^J- 3 March, 1665. ^ ' 

« u V ; S ■ J^T''"''y' 'hence between 1640 and 45 to Hampton. He m 

HOR RS RTPR tvn- ' "^"i'"''^ ^™°' .?=«' ^''^^^''^ S"' ^I« '-« '^n children. 
tlUtJBh. KILHAKD was drowned in Newbury 18 \uo- 1665 

UmiATru^T^I?^' ^°^^P« '"^ S^- ^-y"'^^ 13 Nov 1651. 
.n\wK ,„ ?K l""","-, "™<^.l™'" Romsey, England, in the James, in June, 1635, 
I ,u in aP' 't'^,",^.V,^'"'°''"' '" 164.3. where he died, 1685, aged 83. Ch -Eliza- 
beth, 30 March, 1606, Mary, 6 Oct. 1638, Samuel, 6 Oct. 164^ Henry Nicholas 
James, and John, were born in Andover. ■'' "•"'"'^*> 

HOVEY. LUKE m. Susanna Pilsbury 25 Oct 1098 

^' ?J^nf- L^n p '^'^'"'"->\ '?' H"" '" ^'',f ' '"""" '° Newburv and m. Ebc,uz<-r, the daur^h- 
er 01 John Emery, 21 April, 1609. He died in 172S, aged 85. Ch.-John -^0 Feb 

\pnl r687 "' ' °''- l*^^!' J^^^P'^. 10 J-"- 1677, Hannah, 3 Jan. 1683, Judith 20 
''n^^^J^^^i''''''' "' '^"''^'y' -• ''-■ ^""■"' M-ch. 10 J"'y. noo. Je. 

^'S^^I5°"!^^^St^^Slj^^'=''-^«"^- H«'''<=^l««ept.l673. Ch.- 
HOWLET, REBECCA widow, d. 1 Nov. 1680 

"""^^^S, ^st"^ — ^^-^"""' ^^ 0<='- 16^8, Daniel, 6 Feb. 1684 
"sejft'. kIo"^"^'*^ °^ Bridgewater, m. Catharine Acres, 1698. Ch.-Hannah, 23 

SulE^TOHN ffr^,^ ?'-f '" (^'^^"^y -^l"-''- 1'36- '^ "o'ed shopkeeper.' 
St^S'p a^pT ''■ ^ *^'5''- ^6'0- His widow Margaret d. 3 Feb. 1683 ^ 
166?' He i" m"" 'v""" ^°."^°," '° Newburym 1635. Hiswife Eleanor d. 27 March 
1663. He m. Mary Sears 25 May, 1663. He d. 29 March 1690 a^ed SS Ph 
Ruth 25 Feb. 1664, Abel, 19 Feb. 1665, Thomas. 9 lug 1666 WUlfam Oct WO? 
Sz'er°:'^da\^gh^fl"oi^'r75"^°'-^'">'' '''''■ ''''' ^"' "■ 1« May!' l^^S^ 

"^^'l7r!^''^Z,f;'3^^tch,17of — ^''-^''^■' ^« ^-- ^«^«- S'^P*--- 16 

HUSE, THOMAS son of Abel, m. Hannah . Ch— Marv 2-? March ifiOi r=r,,.l 

U^Mfk^^or-' '' ^^"- ''''' ^^-=- '' J"ne,S:lanl\t5 N^.mt 

"'u'Lm,'3o''oc.'V7o'? "' -''''• "• ^""' ^"=^^"' ^^^^- ^''-^"-. 22 May, 1700, 

"■'ifm^.h' ■"^,- CHRISTOPHER came from Dorking, Surrey, England to Lynn 

^ ' «o^ I** '° "'TP""!. «here he d: 6 March, 16SG, aged nearly 90 Ch _Ste 

?'uT,;,h'fn\;The"da^^'^^^''"'^^^'''"^ '■ '" ''^'' ^S^^^' «• ^okl Joseph MaJy, 

HUTCHINS JOHN and wife. Fiances, came to Newbury. He d in Haverhill in 

l^t^^: Ef^i;^:l!^^^:^^ - -- --^ ^^-J^--. ^^^^y^l^ltt:^ 

""i-.^/,?'; ^^o^'.^i^'P^ ''"d "■"■'^' M="-y- '^'•me to Newbury about 1693 or 4 Ch -Ma 
ILSLEl, WILLIAM yeoman, came from Wiltshire, England, to Newbury, in 1635 



30G APPENDIX. 

s^i^;?pS;fe.StiSSioS'uK^s.„^rsS's.i'S.;S 

George Little. Ch— barali, -u j.ui. 

Snrah 10 July, IfiSO- .w -i Ch — Sarah, 3 Oct. 1PS3, Wil- 

IlIlEyIiSaIc son of Win am ■^^^.^^^J^W^n^,^^^ Dec.lG93, 

liam, 2.5 April, 16S.5. Isaac 3 J^ lY^^^'f ^;,^> ,' «' j^^itli, 2 Feb. 1703. 

Elirabeth, 2.3 Oct. ICU."!, Abigail, 22 Au^. U-)-, J""' g cii.— F.lisba, 

ILTLifY ELISHA sou °fWnUarnn.. Hannah I oor MaK^,^ ^^^^ ,091, William 

'^^^^°^-l^?n^'o';irh\r,?rH-th'rDecriOSl, Barbae March, 1085, Mary, 

^h^TSNo;!lo^i^'Hed.lOJan..^^ 
ILSLE Y, JOSEPH jr. m. Hannah Pke, 1 /Ol. 
IVIE, JOHN son of John, b. Nov. Ib^l.i. 

JACOB, MR. SAMUEL .1. 10 J""'^; ^ "t;,,^^ came, it is sahl, from Exeter, Ensland. 
JACKM AN, JAMES nephevy of Henr> j'hort '■an , ^^ ^g j^^. i,;.,s, Hester, 

His wife was Joanna. He d. 3° ^f j^l^^^^^;^'^' e. 10.57, Richard, 10 Feb. 1000 

12 Sept. 1051, .Tames, 12 June, l*^-^"'' J"^"""^' \ ^oyes. CI .-Joanna, 2ft April, 10S3, 

'"^^^ ^^iji^^'^"^- '^^:^^^- ™^- ^"^-^ ^^- ""' ^"^' 

inMay, 1007, Esther, 5 Nov. lOm. ^,|^aWh Ph.mer 20 June, 10R2. Ch.— 

JACKM AN. RICHARD J>'"/- Eli.abe,b^l^oM70^^ g„^^ 

JAFFREY, GEORGE "_^^l;°™,_l°",V,l::,TNew Cas.le.l N. H. 

b 20 Feb. 1007. He 
JAMES, EDMUND d 



^^^°i^o?i07l^^l?h:lS;,S:l^:i]. I:i7"-Ben„min, 15 Ap,il, 



jili^ES, HENRY carpenter, came to^ewln.y nr lOlO.^m. A - ^-|!,^ j ^ 
irts. He d. 24 Feb. 1087, aged . She f -- ^ ^^....^ p^i^^,^,.j_ je^g, 

16.19 Mary, 12 Nov J051 and ^^;^^^-,^^J,,^ l FeK 1007, Elizabeth, 2S Oct. 

f^oS^^tl^r^^n! 107^ Abi^iUI^^I^ --^-^: ,,.,., „.e son Hen,^ 
J \QUES, HENRY son of Henry, m. — T f""", ^ js Jan. 1082, and was drowned 

'-Stephen, 28 July 1080, Samue 1| M^^^^',^' .^.^ g- . J,;., Ann,'25 Feb. 1705. 

Sept. 1097, Richard, 1 April 1700 B^"i^".'"'^^^illiams 20 March, 1093. H.s second 
JAQUES, DANIEL son "^ P"',?;".l o^Dec! 1.?^, Richard, 2 Feb. 1096. 

wife was Susanna— —. l-n- . „\ -'Rnife 1 \nril, 1090. 
JEPSON, JOHN of Boston. m^Apph.ahnlle i Apni, 

jk-AN^ s\^eThf!n 1. 1 i.-eb'^'^™.^^ H,r;l^o daughters m. Robert Cross and John 
inRD\N^'sUSANNA widow, d. 25 Jan 1073. rbarlestown to Newbury after 

^^li T^^^i^ ^r'f i^^riT^r 8!::^ELabeth. . au. .03, 



1090 

Martha. 17 Nov. 1704 



kKck: ^N m. Lydia^C^eney '| ^I'^Newbury. Mass. in 1035, and died 
TTVi T V TOHN came trom ixewDury, r.n_i.Mii', 

"^t^c. i^S Ch.-Sarah, 12 ^^^^^^]^^X^ '^ ^ Richard Knigh^ 25 Mav, 
irVTTY TOHN sonot John. m. barali, nauiuci ...g a>,|,.i 

I^^;^^.^' C,' -Richard, 28 Feb. loot. John,-17Jm 

10 Dec 1072, Rebecca, 15 May, lG7o, Mary, -:L"'^>' ^ ' , j,jg ^^a 75. 

ks^ptl nee. ItjSJ^ Hannah " Nov. K^; a" .>h,e o. Lt James' Smith 1092. His 

'^^^^^a^^iuri^lo^Sel^callSS^^flve others. He .moved to 
K?ri^^ JON ATHAN son of John. m. Hester Morss July 0, 1702. Ch.-Rnth, 15 
Airili'nul, Jonathan, San.uel, and Beujamm. 



APPENDIX. 307 

KELLY, JOSEPH son of John, m. Jane Heath, of Haverhill, where he settled. 

KELLY, JOHN son of John 2d, m. Sara . His second wife Elizabeth Emery he 

m. Nov. lC9(i. Ch.— Abi?ail, 5 March, 1091. John, 9 Oct. 1697, (who d. in Atkinson, 
N. H. 27 April. 17S3, aged^SS,) and live daughters, Daniel, Richard, S March, 1704. 

KEYES, SOLOMON m. Frances Grant 2 Oct. 1003. Ch.— Hann.ah, 12 Sept. 1654, 
Sarah, 24 Auj. 10.56, Jlary. 20 Sept. 16.58, Jane, 25 Oct. 1600, Judith, 16 Sept. 1062. 

KEYES. ROBERT perhaps of Watertovvn 1033. He d. 16 July, 1047. Daughter 
Ufarvb. 10 June, 104.i. 

KIMBALL. JOHN m. 2^hvy Hobbs 24 Feb. 1005. He d. Oct. 106S. Ch.— 3Iary, 19 
July. 1007. John. 15 Oct' lOOS. 

KINGS BURY, JOHN m. Hannah . Son John b. 8 April, 10S9. 

KNIGHT, DEA. RICHARD, merchant tailor, came from Romsey. England, to New- 
bury in 103.5, in the James. He m. Agnes Cottlcy, who d. 22 March. 1079. He d. 4 
Aug. 1683, aged 81. Ch.— Rebecca, 7 'March, 1043, Sara, 23 March, 1C4S, Anne, and 
Elizabeth. 

KNIGHT, JOHN sen. mercer or merchant tailor, and brother of dea. Richard Knight, 

and came with him in June, 163-5. He m. Elizabeth who d. 20 March, 1045. 

He d. May 1670. His second wife was Ann Ingersoll, widow of Richard IngersoU of 
Salem. 

KNIGHT, JOHN jun. b. in 1622, probably son of John sen. m. Bathsua, dau. of Rich- 
ard Ingersoll, 1647. Ch.— John, b. 10 Aug. 164S, Joseph, 21 June. 10.52, Elizabeth, 18 
Oct. 105.5. Mary, S Sept. 10-57, Sarah. 13 April, 1000, Hannah b. 22 March, 1062, and d. 
30 July, 1004, Hannah. 30 Aug. 1064. Richard, 20 July. 1006, Benjamin, 21 Aug. 1068, 
Isaac, 31 Aug. 1072, and d. 29 July, 1690, John, jr. d. 25 Feb. 107S, ag. 50. His widow 
Bathsua d. 25 Oct. 1705. 

KNIGHT. JOHN son of John jr. m. Rebecca Noyes 1 Jan. 1672. Ch.— James. 3 
Sept- 10,72. Rebecca, 27 .\pril. 1074. John. 3 April. 1070, Sarah, 25 Feb. 1679, Eliza- 
beth. 13 April. 10,81, Joseph, 9 Oct. 1083, Nathaniel, 22 Dec. 1088. 

KNIGHT, BENJAMIN son of John, jr. m. Abieail Jaques. Ch.— Benjamin, 8 Feb. 
1693. Isaac, 15 Jan. 1095. Abigail, 15' April, 1097, Daniel, 4 Dec. 1699, Daniel, 11 Jan. 
1702, George. 31 Jan. 1704. 

KNIGHT. CAPT. RICHARD son of John, m. Elizabeth Jaques. Ch.— Heniy, 6 
July, 1097, Elizabeth. 11 March, 1702. 

KNIGHT, JOSEPH son of John m. Deborah Coffin, 31 Oct. 1677. Ch.-Judith, 23 
Oct. 1078, John, 20 Jan. 1080. and d. 11 March, 1690, Joseph. 10 Feb. 1682, and d. 2 
Dec. 1083. Deborah, 26 April, 168-1, Sarah, 3 Nov. 1080, Elizabeth, IS April, 1090, 
Joseph, 10 Feb, 1692, Mary, 3 Sept. 169.3, Tristram, 9 June, 1695, John, 1ft Dec. 1696, 
Stephen. 9 Oct. 1099, 

KNOWLTON, EBENEZER m, Sarah Lowle, 14 Feb. 1699. 

KENT, RICH.\RD sen. maltster, came to Ipswich in 1035, thence to Newbury the 
same year. He d. 14 June. 10-54. di. — Rebecca, (who m. Samuel Scullard, then 
John Bishop,) John, b. 20 July, 1645, Sarah, whom he left in England, and other 
daughters. 

KENT, STEPHEN brother to Richard Kent. sen. Newbury, 103.5, thence to Haverhill 
thence to Woodbridse, N. J. His second wife Ann d. in iOOO. He then m. Eleanor 
widow of William Scadlock, 9 May. 1002. Ch. — Elizabeth, 1 March, 1042, Hannah, 
20 March. 1644, Steven, March, 1048, Rebecca, 3 Aug. 10.50, and Mary. 

. KENT, RICHARD jr. Newbury, 1030, m. Jane ,who d.20 June. 1074. He m. his 

second wife. Mrs. Joanna Davison, ,Ian. 1075. He d. 25 Nov, 1089. 

KENT, J.A.MES brother to Richard, jr. He d. 12 Dec. 1081. John Kent was 'his only 
son and heir,' who was born in 1041, and d, 30 .Tan, 1718, ag, 77. 

KENT, JOHN son of James, m. Mary Hobbs 24 Feb. 100-5- Ch-— John, 8 April, 1605, ' 
and d- 24 June, Sarah, 1 Aug, 1000, Sarah, 30 Aug, 1607. John 23 Nov. 1008, John, 16 
July, 107.5. and d. 24 INlarch, 1703, James, 3 Sept. 1679, Mary d. 17 March, 1703. 

KENT, JOHN jr. son of , m. Sarah Woodman 13 March, 1060. Mary, 10 Sept. 

1008. Richard, 25 June, 1070. Richard, 17 Jan. 1073, Mary, 24 Oct. 1074, Emma, 20 
April, 1677, Hannah, 10 Sept. 1679. Rebecca, 20 Feb. 1084. James, 5 March, 1080. 

KENT, JOHN jr. son of , m. Rebekah Somerby. Ch.— Rebekah 4 May, 

1696, John, 4 Sept. 1698, Emma, 28 Feb. 1701, Sarah, 7 March, 1704, Mary, 30 March, 
1707, Richard, 3 June, 1710. 

KENT, JOHN m. Sarah Little 14 Jan. 1703. 

KENT, E.MMA widow, d. 10 Jan. 1077. 

LANE, CAPT. JOHN m. Jlrs. .loanna . Ch.— Abigail, 15 Aug. 1093, Living, his 

son, b. 13 Nov. 1704, 

LAVENUKE, STEPHEN a Frenchman, m, Mary Diual 25 Sept, 1672, Ch,— Isabel- 
la, 22 Dec, 1673, Judith, 1677, and d. 22 April, 1758, ag. SI, Stephen, 1678, and d. Jan. 
1, 1704, aged 85. 



308 APPENDIX. 

LEWIS, ROBERT camp from Bristol, England, to Salem, thence to Newbury, and d. 
■1 March, li'i-13. 

LITTLK. GEORGE tailor, came from Unicorn street, London, to Newbury, in 1040. 
He m. Alice Poor. Cli. — Sarah, S May. and d. 19 Nov. Ui-W, Joseph, 22 Sept. 1053, 
John, 28 July, 10,5.5, and d. 20 July, 1072. Moses, 11 March, 1057, Sarah, 24 Nov. 
1061. His wife Alice, d. 1 Dec. lOSO. His second wife, Eleanor Barnard, of Ames- 
bury, he m. 19 July, lOSl, He was living 15 March, 1093, and d. before Nov. 27, 
1094, as Amesbury records say ' widow Eleanor Little d. 27 Nov. 1094.' 

LITTLE, MOSES son of George, m. Lydia,daughter of Tristram Coffin. Ch. — John, 
8 Jan. IGSO, Tristram, 9 Dec. 16S1, Sarah, 28 April, 1084, Mary, 13 Jan, 10S7, Eliza- 
beth, 25 May, 1088, Moses, 26 Feb, 1691, and d. 19 Oct. 1780, aged near 90, Moses, sen. 
d. 8 March, 1091, aged 34. 

LITTLE, JOSEPH son of George, m, Mary Coffin, sister of Lydia, 31 Oct, 1077. Ch. 
—Judith, 19 July, 1078, Joseph, 23 Feb. 1080, and d. 14 Aug. 1693, George, 12 Jan, 
1082, Sarah, 23 Oct, 1 0.84, Enoch, 10 Dec, 108.5, Tristram, 7 April, 16S8, Moses, 5 
May, 1090, Daniel, 13 Jan, 1092, Joseph, 27 Dec, 1093, 

LITTLEHALE, RICHARD m. Mary Lancton ISNov. 1047. He died in Haverhill 18 
Feb. 1004. He had twelve children! John, h, 27 Nov. 1650. 

LONG, DEA. ROBERT lived in Charlestowu from 1037 to 1642. He m. Alice Ste- 
vens in 1647, who d. 17 Jan. 1091. He d. 27 Dec. 1090,aged69, Ch.— Mary, 24 Feb. 
1048, Abiel, 19 Feb. 1649, Susanna, 4 Nov. 1050, Shubael, 14 April, 1001, Martha, 
.Tolin, and Rebecca. 

LONG, ABIEL son of Robert, m, Hannah Hills 27 Oct, 1682. He d. 13 April, 1743, 
aged 95. Ch.— Abiel, 24 July and d. 10 Nov. 1083, Hannah, 6 Nov. 1, 1084, Benjamin, 
1 Sept. 1091. 

LONG, SHUBAEL son of Robert, m, Hannah Merrill 26 Aug. 1695. Ch.— Robert, 
20 May, 1696, Abigail, 3 Jan, 1097. and d, 23 Jan. Abigail, 31 Jan. 1699, John, 2 Nov. 
1701. 

LONGFELLOW, WILLIAM born in 1651, in Hampshire, England, came to Newbu- 
ry, m. Anne Sewall 10 Nov. 1670. He was drowned at Anticosti, 1690. Ch. — Wil- 
liam, 25 Nov, 1079, Stephen, 10 Jan, 1081, and d. 13 Nov. 1683, Anne, 3 Oct, 1083, 
Elizabeth, 3 July, 10S8, Nathan, 5 Feb. 1690, 

LT. STEPHEN, b. 108.5, and d. 17 Nov, 1704, ag. 79. 

LOWLE, MR. PERCIVAL d. 8 .Ian. 1065. His wife. Rebecca, died 104.5, Dec. 28. 

LOWLE, MR. RICHARD came from Bristol, England, in 1039, to Newbury. His 
second wife was Margaret — — . His first wife died in 1042. He died 5 Aug. 1682, 
aged 80. Ch.— Percival, 1639, Rebecca, 27 Jan. 1642, Samuel, 1644. Thomas, 28 
Sept. 1649. 

LOWLE, MR. JOHN brother to Richard, and came with him to Newbury. Ch.— 
Joseph, 28 Nov. 1039, John, Peter. Mary, and James. His second wife was Elizabeth 
Goodale, who d. April 1051. He d. 29 June, 1647. His other children were Benja- 
min, 12 Sept. 1642. Thomas, 4 June, 1044, Elizabeth, 10 Feb. 1646. 

LOWLE, BENJAMIN son of John, m. Ruth Woodman 17 Oct. 1060. Ruth, 4 Sept. 
1067, Elizabeth, 16 Oct. 1069. Benjamin, 5 Feb. 1074, Sarah, 15 March, 1676, Joseph, 

- 12 Sept. 1680, John, 25 Feb. 1083. 

LOWLE, PERCIVAL son of Richard, m. Mary Chandler 7 Sept. 1604. Ch.— Rich- 
ard, 25 Dec. 100.8, and d. 20 May, 1749, aged SO, Gideon, 3 Sept. 1672, Samuel, 13 Jan. 
1070, Edmund, 24 Sept. 1684. 

LOWLE, GIDEON son of Percival, jun. m. Mary . Daughter Jlary b. 1 

March, 1093. 

LOWLE, RICHARD m. Sara Brown 8 April, 109.5. Ch.— Hannah, 11 March, 1090, 
Sarah, 10 April, 1705. 

LUNT, HENRY came to Newbury in 1635, m. Anne . He d. 10 July, 1062. Ch. 

—Sarah, 8 Nov. 1039, Daniel, 17'May, 1041, John, 30 Nov, 1643, Prisc'illa, 16 Feb. 
1040, Mary, 13 July, 1048, Elizabeth, 29 Dec. 10.50, Henry, 20 Feb. 1653. 

LUNT, DANIEL son of Henry, m. Hannah Coker 16 J\Iay, 1064. who d. 29 Jan. 1679. 
His second wilo was Mary Moody, widow of Samuel Moody. Ch. — Hannah, 17 
May. 1605, Daniel, 1 May, 1007, Henry, 23 June, 1069, John, 10 Feb. 1672, Sarah, 18 
June, 1074, Mary 24 July, 1077, Joseph, 4 March, 1681, Anne, 28 Jan. 1083, Benjamin, 
15 March, lOSO. 

LUNT, JOHN son of Henry, m. Mary Skerry, 19 Nov. 1668. He d. 17 Sept. 1678. 
Ch.— John, 22 Oct. 1609, Elizabeth, 12 Oct, 1671, Henrv, 22 Feb. 1674. 

LUNT, HENRY son of Henry, m. Jane . Ch.— Skipper, 29 Nov. 1679, Mary 16 

Jan. 1082, Abraham, 10 December. 1083, John, 1 Feb. 1080, William, 4 July, 10S8, 
Daniel, 1 Jan. 1091, Jane, 9 November, 1093, Samuel, 26 March, 1696. 

LUNT, HENRY 3d, m. Sarah Bricket, 1 Jan. 1701. 

J.UNT, THOM.\S m. Opportunity Hoppin. of Roxbury. 17 .Ian. 1679. 



APPENDIX. 309 

LUNT, HENRY jr. m. Mary . Ch.— Daniel, 15 June, 1C05, Benjamin, 21 

June, 1700. 
MATTOX, JOHN a sawyer, came from Stepney parish in the ship Planter, 163-5. He 

died in Newbury, 24 April. ICJIi. 
MACKENETENE, jMATTHEW m. Grace Mitchell 10 Feb. 1700. 
MACY, THOMAS came from CliilmarU, Ensland, to Newbury, thence to Salisbury, 
thence to Nantucket, in lO-')'.'. He m. Sarnli Hopcot, who d. in 1706, aged 94. Pie 
d. 19 June, 1682. ased 74. He had six chililren. 

MARCH. MR. HUGH carpenter, m. Judith , who d. 14 Dec. 1675. His second 

wii'e. Dorcas Blackleach, he m. 29 May, I67C, who d. 22 Nov. 1683. His third wilij, 
Sarah Healy, he m. 3 Dec. 16S5. who d. 2.5 Oct. 1690. He died 12 Dec. 1693, aged 
73. Ch.— George, 1646, Judith, 3 Jan. 1653, Hugh, 3 Nov. 1656, John, 10 June, 165S, 
James, 11 Jan. 1664. 
MARCH, JIR. GEORGE son of Hugh, m. Mrs. Mary Foulsham 12 June, 1672. Ch. 
— George. 6 Oct. 1674, John. IS Aug. 1676, Mary, 2S Aug.and d. 15 Nov. 1678, Ste- 
phen, 19 Sept. 1679, and d. 10 Feb. 16S4. James, 19 June,^ 1681, Israel, 4 April, 16S3, 

Sarah. 6 July. 1685, Stephen, 16 Nov. 1687, Henry, 31 July, 1697, George, 24 April, 

1698. Jane, 8 Mav, 1699. 
MARCH, M.-^J. JOHN son of Hugh. m. Jemima True 1 March, 1679. Ch.— Judith, 

21 March, 1682, Mary. b. 2 April, 1684, Joseph, S May, 16S7. John, 26 Sept. 1690, Abi- 
gail, 4 Sept. 1693, Hugh. S Jan. 1696, Elizabeth. 6 Sept. 1698. 
MARCH. MR. JOHN in. Mrs. Mary Angier, of Watertown, 1700. Son John b. 27 

Feb. 1702. 
MARCH, CAPT. HUGH son of Hugh, m. Mrs. Sarah Moodv 29 March, 1683. Ch. 

—Sarah. -27 April, 1684, Henry, 22 Sept. 1686. Samuel, 2 March, 1689, Elizabeth, 27 

Oct. 1691. Hannah. 4 Sept. and d. 6 Oct. 1694, Daniel, 30 Oct. 1695, Mehetable, 3 

Jan. 1703, Trueman, 14 Nov. 170.x 
MARCH, LIEUT. JAMES son of Hugh, m. Mary . Ch.— Benjamin, 23 Nov. 

1690, Nathaniel, 2 Sept. 1693. Tabitha, 20 June, 1696. 
MARTIN, RICHARD son of Richard, b. 8 Jan. 1674. 
MAJOR, GEORGE came from the parish of St. Lora, in the island of Jersey, to 

Newbury, and m. Susanna 21 Aug. 1672. Ch. — Hannah, 18 May, 1673, George, 

20 Nov. 1676. 
MARSTON, WILLIAM Salem 1637, thence to Newbury, thence to Hampton, 1640, 

where he died 30 June, 1672. His wife was Sabina. He left five children. 
MARVYN, THOMAS d. 28 Nov. 1651. 
MATTHEWS, HUGH m. Mary Emerson 28 Aug. 1683. Ch.— John, 26 Feb. 168S, 

Judith, 30 April, 1689, Joanna, 19 April, 1690, Hugh, 15 May, 1691, Hugh, 19 

May, 1696. 
AIARSHALL, EDMUND shipwright. Ch.— Edmund. 5 Oct. 1677, John. 7 July. 1C82. 
JIARSHALL, MR. PETER m. Mrs. Abigail. Ch.— Thomas, 1 July, 1689, R'uth, 31 

Dec. 1690. 
MAYO. JOSEPH m. Sara Short, 29 May, 1679. Ch.— Sarah. 9 July, 1679, Thomasine, 

10 June, 1689. 
MERRILL, JOHN one of the first settlers, m. Elizabeth , who d. 14 July, 1682. 

He d. 12 Sept. 1673. He left a daughter Hannah, who m. Steven Swett. 
MERRILL, NATHANIEL brother to John, m. Susanna Jordan. Ch.— Nathaniel, 

1638, John, Abraham, Susanna, Daniel, 20 Aug. 1642, Abel, 20 Feb. 1644. He d. 16 

March, 1655. 
MERRILL, NATHANIEL son of Nathaniel, m. Joanna Kinney, 15 Oct. 1661. He 

d. 1 Jan. 1683. Ch.— John, 16 Feb. 1663. Nathaniel, 8 Feb. 1665, Peter, Aug. 1667, 

Hannah. 12 July. 1672, Marv, 18 Sept. 1675. 
MERRILL. MR.'JOHN son of Nathaniel, m. Lucy . Ch.— Nathaniel, 26 July, 

16.87. John, by second wife Mary, b. 27 Feb. 1702. 
MERRILL, ABRAHAM son of Nathaniel, m. Abigail Webster 1 Jan. 1661. Ch.— 

Abigail, 13 Aug. 166.5. Mary, 5 July, 1667, Prudence, 26 April, 16.59, Hannah, 9 Jan. 

1671, John, 15 Oct. 1673, Jonathan, 19 Jar. 1676, David, 211 Feb. 1678, Sara, 9 Oct. 

1679, Susanna. 6 Dec. and d. 15 Dec. 1681. Prudence, 1 Oct. 1083. 
MERRILL. ABEL son of Nathaniel, m. Priscilla Chase 10 Feb. 1671. Ch.— Abel, 

28 Dec. 1671, Susanna, 14 Nov. 167,3, Nathan, 3 April, 1676, Thomas, 1 Jan. 1679, 

Joseph, 12 July, 1681, Nathaniel, 6 Feb. 1684, Priscilla, 13 July, 1686, James, 27 

Jan. 1689. 
MERRILL, DANIEL son of Nathaniel, m. Sara Clough 14 May. 1667. Ch.— John, 

7 Oct. 1674, Sara, 15 Oct. 1677, Ruth, 7 Feb. 1681, Moses and Martha, 3 Sept. 1683, 

Stephen, 16 Sept. 1688. 
MERRILL, ABEL son of Abel, m. Abigail Stevens 19 June, 1694. Ch.— Samuel, 13 

Sept. 1695, Abel, 20 March, 1698, Abigail, 22 Jan. 1700. 



310 APPENDIX. 

MKRRILL, NATHAN son of Abel, m. Hannah Kent Sept. 1699, Ch.— Hannah, 7 

.Iiilv, 171)0, John, HO Nov. 1701, Priscilla, K! Oct. 1703. 
WERliILL, NATHANIEL son of Nathaniel, jun. m. Rebecca , who d. 9 Dec. 

liiSU. His seconil wile was Sarah . Ch.— Nathaniel, 23 Nov. 16SS, Hannah, 30 

Dec. 1092, Sarah, 20 Oct. 1094 
MKRRILL, PKTER son of Nathaniel, jun. m. Mary . Ch.— ?Iary, 13 Jan. 1093, 

Peter, 10 March. 1090. 
JIERRILL, ABRAHAM jun. m. Abiirail Birtlet 1090. Ch.— Abraham, 23 Aug. 1C9S, 

Abi^'iiil. 5 ,Mav. 1701, Elizabeth, 2 May, 170.3. 
JVIILLER, MARY tl. 13 May. 1004. 
iNULLKR, JOSEPH <1. 21 July, 1081. 
MIRICK, JAMES was horn in 1012. Ch.— Hannah, Feb. 10.57, Abigail. 5 Sept. 

103.S, Joseph, 27 April, 1001, Isaac, C Jan. 100.5, Timotliy, 2'5 Sept, 1000, "Susanna, 20 

Aui,'. 1070. 
MIRICK, TIMOTHY son of James, m. Mary Lancaster, 1090. Ch.— Ezra. 31 March, 

1097, Abiu'ail, 20 Nov. 1098. 
MIRICK, JAMES son of James, jr. b. 10 April, 10S3. 
MIRICK, JAMES jr. m. Hannah . Ch.— Benjamin, 10 April, 1083, Jaines, 10 

July, 1084, John, 10 Sept. 1080. 
MITCHELL, WILLIAM m. Mary Sawyer 7 Noy, 10>4S. He d. July, 10.54. His 

widow m. Robert Savory. Ch. — Mary, 31 Aug. 1049, John, 21 May, 1051, William, 

I March, 1053, Elizabeth, 15 March, 105.5. 

JMITCIIELL, JOHNson of William, m. Hannah Spallbrd 20 May, 1080, who d. 24 

April, 10S9. He m. Constance Moores 15 Nov. 1097. Ch. — Hannah, 12 April, 1081, 

Sara, 20 Sept. H,S2. John, 17 June, 1085, Sara,. 10 April, 1089. 
MILWARD, MR. THOMAS, mariner, came to Newbury 1030 or 7, was in cape Ann 

1040, and d. in Boston, 1 Sept. 1053, aged 53. Ch. — Ann, Nov. 1012, Rebecca and 

Elizabeth. 
MINGO, ROBERT m. Elizabeth . Ch.— Thomas. 2 June, 16S9. Robert, 11 Oct. 

1097. 
MOODY, WILLIA:\1 saddler, came from Ipswich, Enijlanil, to Ipswich, 1034, then 

Newbury. 10.35. His wife was .Sarah. Ch. — Joshua, Caleb, William, and Samuel. 
MOODY, 'REV. JOSHUA son of William, grailuated, settled in Poilsmoulh, moved 

to Boston and there died. See appendi.\. 
MOODY, CALEB son of William, m, Sara Pierce 24 Aug. 1G.59. who d. 25 Aug. 1065. 

His second wife, Judith Bra<lbury, he m. 9 Nov. 100-5, who d. 24 Jan. 1700. He d. 25 

Auk. 1098, aged 01. Ch.— Daniel. 4 Aiiril, 1002, Sara, 23 July, 1001, Caleb, 9 Sept. 

10()0, Thomas, 20 Oct. 100,8, Judith, 23 Se|it, 10,00, and <1. at Salisbury 28 Jan. 1079, 

Joshua, 3 Nov. 1071, William, 15 Dec. 1073, Samuel, 4 Jan. 1070, Mary, 23 Oct. 107S, 

Judith. 12 Feb. 1083. 
MOODY WILLIAM son of William, m. Mehetabel Sewall 15 Nov. 1084. Ch.— Mary, 

30 May, 108.5, deac. Samuel, 21 March, 1089, and d. 25 May, 170,7, Jlehetabel, 15 

Feb. 1(',91. and probably others. Willinm, son of It. Wm. died 23 Feb. 1700. 
MOODY. SAMUEL soii of William, m. Mary Cuttini; 9 Nov. 10.57. He died 4 April, 
• 1075. Ch, — Mary, 10 Noy. 1(55S, William, 22 July. 10,01. Sara, 20 June, 1003, Mary, 

18 Feb. 1001,5, Lydia, 5 Aug. 11307. Haimali, 4 Jan. 1700, Samuel, Dec. 1071, Cutting, 

9 April, 1074, VVilliam, John and Sarah. 

MOODY, SAiMUEL son of Samuel, m. Sarah Knight 10 April, 1700. 

MOODY. JOHN son of Samuel, m. Hannah . Ch.— Apphia, 23 June, 1093, 

Sarah, 7 March. 1097. 
MOODY, CUTTING son of Samuel, m. Judith Little 25 March, 1090,. Ch.— Hannah, 

10 JIarch, 1099. Joseph, 20 April, 1701. 

MOODY, DANIEL son of Caleb, in. Elizabeth Somerby 29 March, 1083. Son 

Daniel b. 27 Feb. 1084. 
MOODY, THOMAS son of Caleb, m. Judith Hale. Ch.— Ezra, 11 April. 1093, Sara, 11 

Feb. 1693, Caleb, 10 March, 1697, Judith, Aug. 1099, Ohver, 7 Oct. 1701, Thomas, 

II Jan. 1704. 

MOOOY, CALEB son of m. Ruth Morse 9 Dec. 1090. Daughter Judith, 10 

Sept, 1091. 
MOODY, MR. JOSHUA son of Caleb, m. Mrs. JIary Greenleaf 1090. Ch.— Mary, 

20 June. 1097, Elizabeth, 4 Dec. 1098, Joshua, 11 Nov. 1700, Abigail, 30 Sept. 1703, 

Judith. 20 Oct. 170.5. 
MOORING, JOSEPH d. 8 May. 1089. 
MOORES. EDMUND was brim in lOM, caine to Newbury 10>10, m. Ann , who 

d. 7 June, 1676. Ch.— IMartha, 12 Dec. 10,43, .lonathan, 23 April, 1640, Mary, 30 Nov. 

lots, Edmund, who died 8 Nov. 1050, Richard, 3 Nov. 10.53, Sarah, 1 April. 1601. 
MOORES, ED.MUND jr. m. Sarah C 3 Jan. 1(377. He d. 19 April, 1099. Ch.— 



APPENDIX. 311 

Edmund, 5 Dec. 1677, Sarah, 9 Dec. 1C8I, Mark, 9 Feb. 1GS9, Martha, 20 Aug. 1G91, 

Edmund, 3 April, 1693. 
WOORES, SAJtUEL m. Hannah Plumer 3 May, 16,'J3, who d. S Dec. 10.51. His 

second wile. Mnry llslcy, he m. I'J Sept. UJflti. 
JIOORES, MATTHEW m. Sara Savory 27 March, 1662. Ch.— Sara, 15 Dee. 106.3, 

William, 20 Mav. 1001. William, 10 Feb. 1060. 
MOORES, JONATHAN son of Edmund, m. Constance Lonehorne, 10 May, 1670. 

Ch.— Richard, 24 July, 1GS3, Samuel, 20 Feb. 1686, Thomas, G Nov. 1668, Dorothy, 

8 Dec. 1690. 

IMOORES. HANNAH d. 2.'j March, 166.5. 

MORSS, ANTHONY shoemaker, came from Marlborough, England, in the ship 
James to Newbury, 163.5. His wife's name was Mary. His second wife Mary 
Earnard, whom he m. 10 Nov. lOG'.i. He died 2.5 Feb. l67S, ajed 00. Ch. — Benja- 
min, 4 March, 10 ID, Sara, 1 May, 1011, Lydia d. May. 104,5, Lydia, 7 Oct. 1017, Mary, 

9 April, 1019, and d. 14 June, IGOa, Hester, 3 May, 1051, Joshua, 24 July, 1653, Joseph, 
John, Peter, and Anthony. 

MORSS. WILLIAJI shoemaker, brother to .Anthony, came with him to Newbury. 

He m. Elizabeth . He d. 29 Nov. 1CS3, aged 09. Ch.— Hannah, 6 March, 1041, 

Timothy, 1(1 June, liin, and d. 27 Dec. 1659, .Abigail, 14 Feb. 1652, Jonathan, Oba- 
dinh. and Elizabeth. 

JIORSS, ANTHONV jun. m. Elizabeth Knight S May, 1060, w^ho d. 29 July, 1667. 

He also m. Ann , whod. 9 March, 1680. He d.' 12 Oct. 1(586. Ch.— Ruth, 20 

May, 10Gl,andd.24 July, Joseph, 29 July. 166.5, Elizabeth, 29 July, 1607. John, 13 
Sept. 1070, Peter. 14 Nov. 1074, Sara, 23 'November. 1676, Jfary, 31 Aug. 1672. 

MORSS. ROBERT m. Ann Lewis 30 Oct. 1C.54. Ch.— Elizabeth, 25 Sept. 1655, Ma- 
ry. 25 Feb. 10.58. and d. 23 Nov. Lydia, 13 July, 1662. Sara, 28 April, 1060. 

MORSS, BENJAMIN son of Anthony, sen. m. Ruth Sawyer, 27 Aug. 1607. Ch.— 
Benjamin. 24 Aug. 1008, Ruth. 8 Dec. 1609, .loseph, 5 Feb. 1672, William, 23 Jan. 
1074, Sara, 13 Jan. 1070. and d. Jan. 1079, Philip. 19 Oct. 1077, Sara, 19 .Tan. 1080, 
Ann, 27 March, 1081, Mary, 15 May, 1080, Samuel. 7 Dec. 1088. 

JVIORSS, ANTHONY m. Sara Pike 4 Feb. 10.86. Ch.— Sara, 27 Oct. 1686, and d. 13 
Nov. Anthony, 26 May, 1690, .Toseph,3 April, 1G94, Stephen, 28 Dec. 1695, Thomas, 25 
March, 17(12. 

MORSS, BF.NJAMIN jun. son of Benjamin, m. Susanna Merrill 28 Jan. 1692. Ch.— 
Abel. 5 Oct. 1692, Ruth, 25 Sept. 1094, Priscilla, 22 April, 1697, Judith, 13 March, 
1099. Stephen. 30 March, 1701, Jlargarel, 14 April. 1702. 

JIORSE, JOSEPH son of Anthony, jun. m. Lydia , who d. 8 Nov. 1689. His 

second wife was Elizabeth . Ch. — Lvdia, 2 Nov. 1089, Joseph, 28 Oct. 1093, 

Daniel, 8 March. 109.5. John, 22 Oct. 1696, Mary, 10 .Tan. 1099. 

IMORSE, JOSHUA m. Joanna — -.whod. 10 April, 1091. Hed. 28 March. 1091. Ch.— 

. Hannah, 1 5 Feb. 1681, Joshua, 11 April, and d. 1 July, lfi8G, Anthony, 15 April, 1688. 

JIORSE, WILLIAM m. Sara Merrill 12 May, 1G9G. Ch.— Daniel, 26 April, 1697, 
Ruth, 4 March, 1099. 

.AIORSE, JONATH.'^N m. JIary Clarke, 3 May, 1671. 

JIORSE. BENJ.\JIIN tertius m. Susanna . Ch.— .Joseph, 26 Aug. 1091, 

Mary, 29 Jan. 1094, Hannah, 20 Jan. 1696. Joshua. 1 March, 1698, and d. 26 June, 1699, 
Joshua, 30 March, 170U, Margaret, 14 April. 1702, ."Mary, 8 Sept. 1703. 

MORSE, JOSEPH, jun. m. Sarah Merrill, 1696. Ch.— Sarah, 30 Dec. 1697, .loseph, 30 
April, 1700, Abigail, 30 Dec, 1702. 

IMORSE. ANN wife of Anthony, d. 9 May, IGSl. 

jMORRlSON, DANIEL m. Hannah •". who d. 9 Oct. 1700. Ch.— Daniel. 1 Aug. 

1091, John, 28 March, 1093, Hannah, 27 Jan. 1696, Ebeiiezer, 6 Oct. 1697, Mary, 20 
March. 

MOULTON, THOMAS Newbury, 1637, Hampton, 16.39, where he died 18 Feb. 1665. 

JIOULTON. JOHN Newbury, 1037, Hampton, 1G39, and there died 1051. Ch.— 
William, Thomas, Henry, Bridget and Jane, twins, who d, the same day, 19 March, 
, aged 01. 

MOULTON, WILLIAM m. Abigail Webster 27 May, 168.5. Ch.— Abigail, 13 June, 
10.80, Batt, 4 July, 1088, Jonathan, 7 Sept. 1692, Joseph, 25 Nov. 1094, Margaret, 21 
Feb. 1699. and d. 25 Sept. 1701, Sarah. 4 July, 1701, Mary, 2 Aug. 17(1.5. 

'MUSSILOWAY, DANIEL alias ROGER WALDRON,' an Irishman, was born in 
164.5, m. Anne Chase 14 June, 1672, who d. 21 April, 1(''S7, His second wife was 

Mary . Ch.— Daniel, 10 May, and d. 19 May, 1688, Daniel, 9 Sept. 1690, John, 

13 Feb. 1693. The name is now Siloway. He died IS .Ian. 1711. 

MUFFET, WILLIAM m. Mehetahcl -. Ch.— William, 14 Feb. 109.3, John. IS 

June, 11J9.5. Mehetabel, 17 Dec. 170(1, Joseph, 11 July, 1703, 

MUSSEI..WinTE, came from Langford in the ship .lames, to Newbury, in 163-5. He 



o 1 2 A P X' £ N D I X . 

died oO Jan. 1071, leaving estate to sister Eda, brother Thomas, and brothei John, in 
Beaverstock, in Wiltshire. 
MUSSEY, JOSEPH son of Robert, of Ipswich, was born in 1628, ra. Esther Jackman 

9 Feb. 1071. He d. :tU Dec. 1080. Ch.— Mary, 2.3 Nov. 1072, Esther, 8 Jan. 1075, 
Joseph, 21 Dec. 1077, Benjamin, 17 An?. 1080. 

MUSSEY, JOSEPH son 'of Joseph, m. Joanna Pettingell, 1700. Ch.— Joseph, 1 

March, 1703, Mary, 2 Aug. 1705. 
NEFE. WILLIAM Newbuiy, thence to Haverhill, m. Jlary Corliss 23 Jan. 1065. He 

died Feb. 1080, a^eJ 47. Mary Neff was with Mrs. Hannah Dunstan, when slie killed 

the Indians, in 1097. 
NELSON, PHILIP of Pvowley, m. Elizabeth Lowle 1 Jan. 1007. 
NISBITT, MR. WILLIAM m. Hannah Woodman 5 June, 1090. Daughter Sarah b. 

14 March, 1091. 
NOYES, REV. JAMES was born in Chonlderton, Wiltshire, in lOOS, m. Miss Sarah 

Brown, of Southampton, Eng. came to New England 1631, and to Newbury 1035. 

He d. 22 Oct. 1056, ag. 48. Ch.— Joseph, 15 OctT 1637, James, 11 March, 1040, Sarah, 

12 Aug. 1641, and d. 21 Feb. 1053, Moses, 6 Dec. 1643, John, 3 June, 1045, Thomas,. 

10 Aug. 1048, Rebecca, 1 April, 1651, William, 22 Sept. 1653, Sarah. 25 March, 10.50. 
NOYES, COL. THOMAS son of rev. James, m. Martha Pierce 28 Dec. 1009, who d. 

3 Sept. 1074. He then m. Elizabeth Greenleaf 24 Sept. 1677. Ch.— Sara, 14 Sept. 
1670, Martha, 24 Feb. 1073, Daniel, 30 Aug. 1674, James 3 July, 1678, Thomas.2 Oct. 
1679, Parker, 29 Oct. 1081, Elizabeth, 29 Feb. 1084. Joseph, 5 Aug. 1688, Moses, 29 
Jan. 1692, Rebekah, 19 April, 1700, Judith, 17 April, 1702. 

NOYES, NICHOLAS brother to rev. James, b. in 1014, m. Mary Cutting, sister of 
capt. John Cutting. He died 23 Nov. 1701, aged S3. Ch.— Mary, 15 Oct. "1041, Han- 
nah, 30 Oct. 1043."John,20 Jan. 1040, Nicholas. 22 Dec. 1047, Cutting, 23 Sept. 1049, 
Sarah, 13 Sept. Kiol, Sarah, 22 Aug. 1053, Timothy, 23 June, 1055, Janfies, 16 May, 
10.57. Abigail, 11 April, 1659, Rachel, 10 May, 1061, Thomas, 20 June, 1603, Rebecca, 
18 Mav. 10>65. and d. 1 Dec. 1683. 

NOYES', JOHN son of Nicholas, m. Mary Poore 23 Nov. 1668. Ch.— Nicholas, 18 
May, 1671, Daniel, 23 Oct. 1673, Mary. 10 Dec. 1675. John, 15 Feb. 1678, Mariha, 24 
Dec. 1679, Mariha, 19 Dec. 1080, Nathaniel, 28 Oct. 1681, Elizabeth 15 Nov. 1084, 
Moses, 22 May, 1088, Samuel, 5 Feb. 1092. 

NOYES, MR. WILLIAM son of rev. James, m. Sara Cogswell 6 Nov. 108.5. Ch.— 
.lohn, 27 July, 1080, William, 1 Sept. 1088, Sarah. 10 May, 1091. and d. 3 Dec. 1703, 
Moses, 27 Jan, 1094, and d. Hi Feb. Susanna, 25 Feb. 1090, Mary, 24 May, 1699, and 
d. 16 Dec. 1703, Sarah, 5 Dec. 1703, Parker, 17 Jan. 1705. 

NOYES, CUTTING son of Nicholas, in. Elizabeth Knight, 25 Feb. 1674. Ch.— 
John, 15 Dec. 1674, Cutting, 28 Jan. 1677, Elizabeth, 2 Jan. 1079, Nicholas, 22 May, 

1081, and d. 5 Dec. 1094, Joseph, 21 Jan. 1089, Mary, 27 March, l')93. 

NOYES, TIMOTHY son of Nicholas, m. Mary Knight 13 Jan. 1681. Abigail. 28 Feb. 
10,8.5. Mary, 8 Dec. 1680, Sarah, 20 March. 1789, Timothy, 25 Jan. 1091, RachelSFcb. 
1094, John, 10 Feb. 1090. Mariha. 14 [March, 1097, Nicholas, 7 March, 1701. 

NOYES, JAMES son of Nicholas, m. Hannah Kniifht 31 March, 1084. Ch.— Rebecca, 
12 Jan. 108-5, Joseph, 20 Sept. 1080, Hannah, 13 March, 1088, Nicholas, 9 Feb. 1090, 
Nathan. 5 Feb. 1692, Ephraim, 20 Nov. and d. 19 Dec. 1694. Lvdia. .30 Nov. 109.5, 
Ephraim, 25 Dec. 1098, Benjamin, 22 Feb. 1701, Mary, 13 Jlarch, 1703, James, 19 
Aug. 1705. 

NOYES, THOMAS jnn. son of Nicholas, m. Sarah . Ch.— Bethia, 20 Oct. 1091, 

Rebecca. 20 .tan. and d. 28 Jan. \Ci'M. 

NOYES, NICHOLAS jun. son of .lohn, m. Sara Lunt 1095. Ch.— John, 21 July, and 
d. 7 Aug. 1096. Sarah, '15 Sept. 1097, John, Dec. 6, 1099, 

NOYES, "DANIEL m. Judith Kniuht 29 Dec. 1703. 

NOYES, JOHN m. Mary Noves 1700. 

NOYES, CUTTINt; ni' Elizabeth Toppan S Jan. 1703. 

OLIVER. MR. JOHN born in Bristol, England, in 1013, came to Newbury 1039, m. 
Mrs. Joanna Gooilale. He d. in 1042, aged 29. His widow m. capt. William Gerrish, 
anil daiinhler Mary born in 1640. m. Samuel Appleton. of Ipswich 8 Dec. 16.50. 

ORDWAY, James came, tradition savs, from Wales to Newbury. He was born in 
1620, mnr. Ann Emery 23 Nov. 104.8. who d. 31 March, 1087. Ch.— Ejibniim, 25 
April, 1050, James, lO'Apiil, 1651, Edward, 14 Sept. ir,.-,3. Sarah. 14 Sept. 16.56.John, 
17 Nov. 10.58, Isaac. 4 Dec. 1000, and d. 16 Jan. 10i;9. Jane. 12 Nov. 1003, Hananiah, 
2 Dec. 1605. Anne, 12 Feb. 1070, Mary, 5 April, 1070. He died after 1702. 

ORDWAY, JOHN son of James m. Mary Godfrey 5 Dec. 1081. Ch.— Mary, IS Sept. 

1082, John, 29 Oct. 1084. James. 4 July,' 1087, Peter, 15 Sept. 1091, Hannah, 20 Nov. 
and d. 5 Dec. 1093, Hannah. 6 March,' 109.3, Stephen, S April, 1097, Ann, 15 May, 
1099, Nathan, 28 April, 1703, 



APPENDIX. 313 

ORDWAY, JAMES jun. son of Jitnes, m. Tirzah - — . Ch. 12 Oct. lB91,ivhod. 10 

Jai). 16%. His second wile, Sar.ih Clark, of Kowlev. be ni. .May, IfiUC. Ch. — Lvdia, 

1 J July, iri93, Lydia. 14 July, 109(1, Joanna, 2-2 May," 1697, John, -23 June, 1699, Mary, 

■JS April. 1703. 
ORDWAY. EDWARD son of .Tatties, m. Marv AVood ]Q Dec. 1678. Ch.— Joanna, 28 

Aov. 16S5, Rachel, 11 Jan. lOSS, Jacob. 14 Jaii. 1090. liaiah, 28 Jan. 1092, Daniel, 13 

Jan. 1694. 
ORDWAY, HANANIAH son of James, tti. Abi<;ail . Ch.— Rebecca, 2'' Dec. 

1090. Abigail, 2 Aug. 1693, Nathaniel, 3 July, 1695, Joanna, 15 April, 1098. Elizabeth, 

1-5 Feb. 1702. 

ORDWAY. SAMUEL m. . His son Isaac b. 4 Feb. 1680. 

OSGOOD, JOHX was born in Andover, England. 23 July. 1-595. came to Ipswich, 

thence to Newbury, thence to Andover 1045. and there died in 1051, aged 56. Ch. — 

John. Stephen. Mary, and Elizabeth. 
Palmer, henry came to Newbury about 1037, moved to Haverhill, and there died 

15 July. 16.S0. He had two dau:;hters. 
PALMER. WILLIAil came to Newburyabout 1637, removed to Piscataqua. His 

daughter Martha m. John Sherman of Watertown. 
PALMER, JOSEPH m. Sara Jacknian IS March, 1665. Ch.— Sara, 5 Dec. 1605,- 

James, 1.S Dec. 1007. Joseph, 8 July, 1670. 
PAL.MER, JOSEPH son of Joseph.'m. . His second wife was Hester . Ch. 

— Joseph, 21 Oct 1090, William, May. 1700, Joseph, 10 Nov. 1702. 
PARKER. NATHAN came early to Newbury, thence to Andover in 1645, m. Sara 

Shoit 10 Nov. 1048. He died iii 16S.5. 
PARKER, JOSEPH came early to Newbury, thence to Andover. Ch. — Joseph, 15 

May, 1(>42, Stephen, John, and Samuel. 
PARKER. NATHAN m. Mary Browne 15 Dec. 1675. Daughter Marv was born and 

d. April. ]67'.1. 
PARKER, NATHANIEL had a daughter Mary b. 11 July, 1678. 
PARKER, REV. THOMAS only son of rev. Robert Parker, of Wiltshire, was born in 

1.590, came to Ipswich May, 1634, thence to Newbury in 1635, and there died unmar- 
ried 24 April. 1077. 
PEARSON. BENJAMINson of John, of Rowley, m. Hannah Thurston. Ch.— Phebe, 

14 July. 16S2, Daniel. 25 Dec. 1084, Abigail, 1 JIarch, 10S9, Benjamin, 12 Aug. 1090, 

and d. 5 April. 1774. Sarah. 10 Dec. lOOl', Mebetabel, 18 May, 1095, Joseph, 4 Dec. 

1099. David. IS Jan. 1702, Oliver, 14 Aug. 1704. 
PEARSON. SAMUEL m. Poor Dec. 1670. 

PEASLE Y, JOSEPH an early settler in Newbury, thence to Salisbury, now Ames- 
bury, where he died 3 Dec. 1000. Ch.— Sarah, 20 Sept. 1642, Joseph,'9 Sept. 1046, 

Elizabeth. 

PENGRI.N. MOSES married Abigail . Daughter Abigail. 11 Nov. 1695. 

PEMBERTON. JAMES was in Newbury in 1646. Ch.— John b. in Newbury 16 Feb. 

1048. Thomas and Joseph were born in Boston, where a James Pemberlon died 11 

Oct. 1690. 
PEMBERTON, JOHN was dismissed from Boston to Newbury church 24 Nov. 1640. 

■ His wife died 22 Feb. 1646. 
PERKINS. BENJA.MIN had a son Daniel b. 18 Dec. 1684. 

PERKINS, LYD1.\ of Newbury, m. Elrakim Wardvvell, of Hampton, 17 Oct. 1659. 
PENUEL. WALTER m. Anne" 15 April, 1700. 
PERRY, JOHN and wife Damaris were in Newbury in 1051. He sold his farm to 

Samuel Plumer. 
PETTI.NGELL. RICHARD born in 1621. came, tradition says, from Staffordshire to 

Wenliam. where he was in 1648. In 1652 he came to Newbury with his wile Joanna, 

(who was daughter of Richard Ingersoll, of Salem,) and several children, Mary was 

born in Newbury July. 10.52. Nathaniel. 21 Sept. 16.54. 
PETTINGELL. NATHANIEL son of Richard, m.- Hannah Goodridge 1703. Ch.— 

Marv. died 3 March, 1608. 
PETTINGELL. SAMUEL son of Richard, m. Sarah Poore 16 Feb. 1674. Ch.— 

Samuel, 3 Feb. 1670, Richard, 26 Aug. 1677. Richard. 24 Jan. 1679, John, 20 Sept. 

loso. Mary and Sara. 20 Jan. 1680. Joanna. 10 Feb. 1689, Benjamin. 18 Dec. 1692. 
PETTINGELL. MATTHEW son of Richard, m. Sam. Noves 13 April. 1674. Ch.— 

Nathaniel. 21 .Ian. 1070, M.xtthew, 18 Sept. 1678, .Joanna, 27 Jan. 1681, Nicholas, 15 

Nov. 108.5, Sarah, 19 April, lOSS, John, 10 Feb. 1694, Abraham, 23 Sept. 1096, Abigail, 

17 Oct. 1 099. Mary, d. 3 March, 1098. His second wife Jemima French he m. in 1703. 

PETTINGELL, MATTHEW \t. m. Joanna . His son Abiaham b, 4 Dec. 1704. 

PETTINGELL, DANIEL m. Mary Stickney 13 Nov. 1699. Son Daniel b. 5 Jan. 1705 
PETTINGELL, RICHARD son of Samuel, rn. Jemima Cheney, 10 Oct. 1701 
40 



314 



A p r E N U 1 X . 



PETTINGELL, NATHANIEL jr. ra. Margaret RicUarason 1702. Daughter Anne b 
2-2 Dec. 170.!. 

PHELPS, EDWARD m. Elizabeth Adams. Son John b. 1.5 Dec. 16.57. He moved to 
Andover. 

PIKE, JOHN laborer, came from Langford, England, in the ship James, to Newbury 
in 1(53.5. He d in Salisbury 20 JMay, 16.54. Ch.— Robert, b. in 1015, John. DorolhV 
Ann, Israel, a daughler, Sarah, who d. Nov. 10.59, DoroUiv, who m. Daniel Hendrick 

' The worshipful maj. ROBERT PIKE,' son of John, died' in Salisbury 12 Dec. 170o' 
in his 92d year. ' 

PIKE, JOHN son of John, m. Mary . Ch.— Joseph, 26 Dec. lfi3S, John, l'^ Jan 

1011, and d. 2S May, 104U, Hannah, 20 April, 1643, Mary, 11 Nov. 1647, John 30 Mar 
16.50, Ruth, 17 July, 1052. Sarah, 13 Sept. 1655, Thomas, 7 Dec. 1057, Samuel. 

PIKE, JOSEPH son of John, jr. m. Susanna Kingsbury 29 Jan. 1602. Ch— Sarah l'^ 
Oct. 1060, Mary, 19 April 1670, John, 28 Dec. 1071, Joseph, 17 April, 1074. He died 
1094, aged 7,3. Benjamin, 21 Sept. 1070, Hannah. 24 March, 1079, Thomas 4 \n<' 
1681. He was probably the Joseph Pike killed by the Indians in Haverhill, 4 Seo't 
1694. *^ 

PIKE, JOSEPH son of Joseph, m. Hannah Smith Dec. 1695 Ch.— Joseph 4 Nov 

, 1690 John, 24 Feb. 1099, Thomas, 25 Sept. 1700, James, 1 March, 1703, Sarah 2 
April, and d. 20 June, 170.5. Joseph, d. 1757, aged 84. 

PIKE, JOHN son of John jr. m. Lydia, widow of Moses Little, IS March, 1695 Ch 
—Judith, 4 Dec. 1695, Susanna, 3 April, 1697, Lydia, 23 Dec. 109S, Joanna, 17 Dec 
1700, Dorolhy, 23 Sept. 1702. 

PIKE, HUGHrn. Sarah Brown, 17 June, lOS-S. Son Hugh b. 2S May, 1686. 

PILSBURY, WILLIAM came, tradition says, from Staffordshire. He m. Dorothy 
Crosby, in Dorchester, aijout 1641, thence to Newbury, where he d. 19 June lOSO 
Ch.— Caleb, 28 Jan. 1054, and d. 4 July, 1680, William, 27 July, 1656, Experience 10 
April, 16.5S, Increase, 10 Oct. 1600, Thankful, 22 April, 1002, Joshua 20 June ltJ74 
Moses, Job, Abel. ' ' 

PILSBURY, WILLIAM son of William, m. Marv Kenny 13 Dec. 1077 Ch -Wil- 
liam, 22 March, 1080, E.xperience, 10 April. 1082, William, 7 July, 16S7, Lydia 25 
Dec. 1089, Increase, 5 Jan. 1095, Apphia, 8 May, 1700. 

PILSBURY, MOSES son of William, m Susanna Worth, 1068. Ch.— Joseph 6 June 
1670, Dorothy, 9 April, 107.5, Susanna, 5 Feb. 1677, Judith, 16 March, 1679, Caleb 27 
July. 1681, Hannah, 3 May, 16S6. 

PILSBURY, JOB son of William, m. Katharine Gavet 5 April 1677. Ch— Daniel 
20 Sept. 1678, Josiah, 17 April. 1680. ' ' 

PILSBURY, ABEL son of William, m. Mary . Ch.— Joshua, 12 April 1079 

John, 13 Sept. 1082, Jacob, 20 March, 1087, Abel, 12 April, 1090, Elizabeth, 20 MarchJ 

PIL.SBURY. DANIEL m. Sarah Allen 1703. 

PILSBURY, CALEB m. Sarah Morse 1702. 

PILSBURY, JOSEPH son of Moses, m. Sarah . Ch.— Joseph, 10 Jan. 1095 Mo- 
ses, 19 Sept. 1097, Nathan, 3 June, 1099. 

PILSBURY, MOSES jun. m. Abigail Rolf 109S. Ch.— Moses, 16 Jan. 1699, .Ihi-ail 
9 Aug. 1700. ° 

PIERCE, DANIEL blacksmith, ^came from London to Watertown, thence to Newbu- 
ry about 1637. His first wife was Sarah. He m. Anne Milward, 20 Dec 1054 She 
d. 27 Nov. 1690. He d. 27 Nov. 1077. Ch.- Joshua, 15 May, 1043, Martha, 14 Feb 
1048, Daniel, 15 May, 1042. and 'son in law Thorpe.' 

PIERCE, DANIEL son of Daniel, m. . Ch.— Joanna, who d. 16 Sept 1090 Dan- 
iel, 20 Dec. 1063, who d. 2 Sept. 1090, Anne, 22 May, 1600, Benjamin, 20 Feb ' 16G9 
Joshua, 16 Oct. 1671, Martha, 26 Feb. 1677, Sara, 3 Oct. 1679, George 5 March lOSl' 
Mary, 14 April, 1085, John, 10 Oct. 10S7. Catharine, 18 Sept. 1090. 

PIERCE, MR. THOMAS m. Mehetabel Frost 5 Jan. 1098. Son John b 5 Nov 1098 

PIERCE, BENJAMIN son of Daniel, jun. m. Lydia . Ch.— Daniel 6 Au" 1693 

and d. 25 Aug. Charles, 3 Feb. 109.5, Elizabeth,' 14 Nov. 1690, Daniel 11 Oct" 1698 
Benjamin, 13 June. 1700, John, 7 Nov. 1703. ' ' 

PIERCE, MR. JOSHUA m. Mrs. Joanna. Daughter Anne 14 Oct 1704 

PEABOD Y. WILLIAM m. Mary Browne, 8 Doc. lO.SO. 

POORE, JOHN came from Wiltshire to Newbury in 16.3.5. He d 23 Nov 1084 a»ed 
09. Ch.— Jonathan, John, 21 Juno, 1042, Hannah, 14 Oct. 104.5, Elizabeth, s' Nov 
1047, Mary, 15 July, 1048, Hannah, 25 ]\Iaicli, 1049, Henry. 13 Dec. 1650, Mary, 
March, 10.52, and d. 8 Sept. Joseph, 4 Oct. 1053. Mary, 12 Dec. 10.54, Sarah, 5 June 
10.J5, Lydia, 5 Dec. 1056, Edward, 4 April, 1058, Abigail, 20 March, 1600, Abigail, 5 
Aug. 1661. ° ' 

POORE, JOHN son of John, m. Mary Titcomlj, 27 Feb. 1660. Ch.— John 7 Mav 



APPENDIX . 315 

ami (1. 4 Oct. IOCS, Mary, Aug. 16C9, Sarah, 27 Oct. KiTl, Elizabeth, 20 July, 1074, 
Hannah, 10 Aug. 1G77. Jonathan, 5 Feb. 1679, Judith, 22 JMay, IGSl, John, 26 June, 
16S3. He ilied 13 Feb. 1701, a^. 59. 

rOORE. JONATHAN sou ol'John, m. Rebecca . Daughter Rebecca b. 10 

Mav, 170-'). 

POOilE. HENRY son of John, m. Abigail Hale 12 Sept. 1679. Ch.— Abigail, 9 
Sept. 16S0, Henry, 31 Jan. 16&~2, Jeremiah, 10 Jan. IGSl, Marv, 10 April, 1686, Mary, 
20 Sept. ICS7, Hannah, 19 July, 1G02, Sarah, 18 Jan. 1094, Benjamin, 1G9G, Daniel, , 
1700. 

TOORE, HENRY jr. of Rowley, m. Mary Holmes 1703. 

rOORE, SA-MUEL perhaps a brotlier to John, sen. m. . Ch. — Rebecca, 7 

Feb. 1619, .Mary. 21 March, 1051, Samuel, 14 Oct. \C,.y.i. Edward, 27 May, 1656. Eliz- 
abeth, 21 Jan. I'G.in, Joseph, 10 June, 1661, Sarah, 4 June. 1604. Benjamin, 22 Feb. 
1667, Marv. 21 Feb. 1671. He died 31 Dec. 16S3, aged 60. 

POORE, JOSEPH son of Samuel, sen. m. Mary Wallington 6 Aug. 1680. Ch.— Jo- 
seph. 25 April. 168.5, Benjamin, 7 Nov. 1687, Sarah. 12 May, 1G90, Mary, 12 Aug. 
1692, Abigail, i Aug. 1605. Hannah, 3 April, 1698, John, 1 Aug. 1701, Lydia. 14 
March, 1764. 

POORE. BENJAJHN, son of Samuel, sen. m. widow Mary Hardy 13 April, 169G. 
Ch.— Sarah. 6 Sept. 1697, Ann. 31 Oct 1700. She d. 8 Aug. 1707. 

POORE, SAMUEL son of Samuel, sen. m. Rachel Bailey 'iG Feb. 1680. Ch.— Re- 
becca, IS Jan. lOSl, Samuel, 3 June, 1682, and d. 11 July, 1709, aged 85, Judith d. 12 
Dec. 1683. Sarah, 12 July, 1686, Eleanor, 25 Dec. 1689, "Rebecca, 1 March. 1694. 

POORE, EDWARD, m. Elizabeth . Stephen, 20 April, 1S8S, Elizabeth, 21 

.March. lO'.IO, Joseph. 15 April. 1701. 

POORE, JOSEPH jun.m. Anna Johnson 1698. Ch.— Katherine.18 Feb. 1699, Joseph, 
b. 9 April, 1701. 

POORE. SARAH widow of John, d. 3 Dec. 1702. 

PLUJIER, FR.^NCIS • linnen weaver.' came, some say from Woolwich, Eng. others 
from Wales, about 1633. He was in Newbury 1635. His first wife Ruth d. 18 .A-ug. 
1647. He m. \Yidow .Ann Palmer 31 March, 1648 or 9, who d. IS Oct. 166.'). He then 
m. Beatrice, widow of William Cantlebury, of Salem, 29 Nov. 1G6-5. He d. 17 Jan. 
1673. Ch.— S.imuel. b. 1619, Joseph. 1630. and .Mary, who m.S__t. Cheney. 

PLUMER, SAMUEL son of Francis, m. Mary . Ch.— Samuel. 20 April, 1647, 

Mary, 8 Feb. 16.50. John, 11 May, 16-52, Ephraim, 16 Sept. 16.5-5, Hannah, 16 Feb. 
1657, Silvanus. 22 Feb. 16.58, Ruth, 7 .Aug. 1660, Elizabeth, 19 Oct. 1662. Deborah, 
13 March, 1665, Joshua, Lydia. 2 July. 1668, Bathshua, 31 July, 1670. He died 1702 
aged S3. 

PLUJIER, JOSEPH son of Francis, m. 23 Dec. 1652. Ch.— Joseph, 11 Sept. 1654, 
Benjamin, 23 Oct. 16.56, Sarah, 13 May, 1660, Francis, 23 April, 1662, and d. 5 Dec. 
1663, Francis, 25 Feb. 1664. Nathaniel', 3] Jan. 1660, Jonathan, 13 May. 1668, Abigail, 
16 July, 1669, and d. 11 Dec. 1683. 

PLUMER, EPHRAIM son of Samuel, m. Hannah Jaques 15 Jan. 1680. Ch.— Mary, 
19 Feb. 1081, Hannah, 12 Oct. 1682, Samuel, 27 Oct. 16,84. Elizabeth, 21 Nov. 1686, 
John, 7 Nov. 1688, Ruth, 5 Nov. 1690, Daniel, 10 Jlarch. 1693, Richard, 3 Aug. 1095, 
Biltield, 12 June, 1697. Sarah. 26 July, 1699, Emma. 21 June. 1704. 

PLUMER, SILVANUS son of Samuel, sen. m. Saiah Moody 18 Jan. 1682. Ch.— 
]Mary,22 Oct. 1683, Samuel, 12 Nov. 16S4, and d. 2 Aug. 16.S5, Samuel, Lydia, Sarah, 
and Benjamin. 

PLUMER, JOSEPH jun. son of Joseph, sen. m. Hannah Swett 20 Jan. 1085. Ch.— 
Samuel. 4 May, 1686, Abigail, 11 Dec. 1687, Miriam, 16 June, 1690, .Aaron, 16 Jan. 
1093, Eleazer, 29 Jan. 1094. Joseph. 12 Jan. 1695, David, 16 March, 1696, Sampson, 14 
March, 1699, Hannah, 17 July, 1700, Sarah, 17 April, 1702, Deborah, 19 Dec. 1703, 
Eliphalet, 1 April, 170.5. 

PLUMER, JOSHUA son of Samuel, m. Elizabeth Dole 6 Nov. 1699. Ch.— Samuel, 
3 Sept. 1700, Stephen, 6 Dec. 1702, Joshua, 22 Aug. 1705, Nathaniel, 19 June, 1708, 
Enoch. 3 Dec. 1711. Elizabeth. 22 JIarch, 1716. 

PLU:\1ER, SA.MUEL son of Samuel. .«cn. m. Joanna Woodbery 5 Dec. 1670. 

PLU.MER, JOHN of Rowley, m. Elizabeth Smith 1700. 

PLUMER, FRANCIS son of Joseph, m. Mary Ellitrop. Daughter Mary b. 15 May, 
1701. 

PLUMER, JONATHAN son of Joseph, m. Sarah Pearson 16 June, 1696. Ch.^John, 
25 March, 1697, Daniel„7 Jan. 1699. Marv, 6 Dec. 1701, Jonathan, 14 Aug. 1705. 

PRICE, WALTER horn 17 May. 1020, lived in Salem. 

RANHALL. WILLIAM was born in ir.is, m. Elizabeth 2 Oct. 1049. Ch.— Eliz- 
abeth, 13 .May, 1650, William, 2 March, 16;i3, John, 5 March, 1655, JIary, 20 March, 
16.50, Hannah, 7 Jan. 16.59. 



316 APPENDIX. 

RANDALL, WILLlAJIjun. m. Rebecca , who d. IS Feb. 1677. Son Euoch b. 

Doc. uni'i. 
RAWSON, MR. KDWARD came from Gillinnbnm. Dorselshire. was in Newbury 

about ICMr. or 7. and rennoved to Boston IG.fiO. He m. Rachel Peine. Ch — Edwani, 

Rachel, Davirl. 6 May, liVl4, Perne. 164(5, Susan, who d. in Roxbury, 16.54. Giindal, 

23 Jan. 1649, William, born in Boston, Ui.")!. Rebecca, and .Tohn. He d. UiflH, as;. 77. 
RR.MIXGTON. .JOHN was in Newbury, 1637, thence (o Andover and Rowley, and 

finally to Rnxhmvor Boston. His wile's name was Abis:ail. 
RICHARDS, JdHN m. Hannah (roodridise '^i Mnrch. 16!I4. who died 59 Jan. leo."). 

He then m. Sarah Cheney 16 July, 1696; Ch.— Sarah, 13 Sept. 1697, Mehetabel. 25 

June, ]69'.i, Sarah. 10 Feb. 1702. 
RICHARDSON, WILLIAM m. Elizabeth Wiseman 23 Aug. 1654. He d. 14 JIarch, 

16.58. Ch.— Joseph. IS May, 165.0, Benjamin. 13 March, 1657. 
RICHARDSON, EDW.ARt) m. . . Ch.— Edward, 21 Dec. 1649, Caleb. IS Au^. 

1652, Ruth, 23 Nov. 16.55. iMoses, 4 April. 16.5.S. Mary, 2 Sept. 1660. He died 14Nov. 

1685. Another Edward Richardson died 25 .March, 165.5. 
RICHARDSON. EDWARD jr. m. Elizabeth Hale U Dec. 1696. 
RICHARDSON. EDWARD jnn. w.. Anne Bartlel, 28 Oct. 1673. Ch.— Mary, 25 Oct. 

1673, and d. 3 April, 1678. Edward. 2 Sept. 1674, Mary, 25 Aug. 1G76, Moses, 22 Jan. 

16,'^n, Mnraaiet, 7 July, 16.82. He d. 14 Nov. 1682. 
RICHARDSON. JOSEPH m. Margaret Godfrey 12 July. 1681. Ch.— Mary. 16 April, 

1682. William. 22 March. 1681, .Joseph. 31 Dec! 16.S6, Elizabeth, 2S Feb. 1689. Daniel, 

4 April. 16U2. Saiah. 19 June, 1694, Thomas. 15 Feb. 1697, Caleb, 9 June. 1704. 
RICHARnSON, JOSHUA in. Mary Parker 31 Jan. 1679. who died 7 March. 1685. 

He Ihen m. Jane . Ch.— F.stiier, 15 March. 1683. Judith. 25 June, 1688. Hannah, 

9 Oct. 169f). Abigail, 6 Aug. 1692, Elizabeth, 4 Nov. 1094, Joanna, 6 March, 1697, 

.Joshua, 20 May, 1702. 
RICHARDSON, CALEB m. Mary Ladd 31 July. 1682. Ch.— Mary, 12 Jan. 1685, 

Ruth, I March. 1683. 
RICHARDSON. MR. JOHN m. . Ch.— Sarah, 9 Sept. 1674, Mary, 22 July, 1677, 

Elizabeth. 29 April. 1680, Katharine. 15 Sept. 16,81, and a son John. 
ROBINSON, ROBERT b. 1628, m. Mary Silver 26 Oct. 1664. Ch.— Mary. 18 Nov. 

166.5, Daniel. 9 Oct. 1667, John, 12 Dec. 1669, Samuel, Thomas, Sarah, Hannah, 21 

Dec. 1(;S3, Robert. 5 May, 1686. 
ROBINSON. JOHN m. Susanna . Ch.— .lobn, 6 Sept. 1690, Samuel, 2 Dec. 

1692, Daniel, 14 March. 1695. He died March, 1699. 
RinGE. JOHN d. 30 Dec. 1666. 

ROBBINS, THOMAS m. Priscilla Mallard 1703. Son Thomas b. 12 March. 1704. 
ROGERS, ROBERT m. Susanna , was in Newbury in 1651. He died 23 Dec. 

1663. Ch.— Robert, 28 April, 1650, Thomas, 9 July, 16.52, John, 13 March, 1654, 

Susanna, 6 Feb. 16.57, Joshua. 1 Aug. 1658. 
ROGERS, THOMAS son of Robert, m. Rutb Brown 18 May, 1677. Ch.— Thomas, 

14 Aug. 1678, Ruth, 10 April, 1080, Susanna, 17 iMarch. ir>,S2, Robert, 5 April, 1684, 

John. 11 July, 1686, Isaac. 21 June, 1691, Stephen, 20 Aug. 1693, Daniel, 14 Nov. 1695, 

Jonathan, 1.8 June, 1702. 
ROGERS, THOMAS m. Hannah Long 18 Aug. 1702. 
RAWLINS, NICHOLAS m. Rebecca Long BlOct. 1679. Ch.— John. 1 Dec. 1680, 

Daniel, 21 JIarch, 16S2. :Mary, 10 April, 1683, Joseph, 25 March, 1085, Benjamin, 2 

March. 1687. Rehekah, 1 Oct. 1089. Martha. 5 Nov. 1692. 
RAWLINS. JOHN m. Mary Thomas, of E.veter, 9 Oct. 1702. 
ROLFE, HENRY son of Honour Roll'e. came to Newbury among the first settlers. 

He d. 1 IMarch, 1643. His only son, John, died before him. His grandson Benjamin 

was born in 1640. 
ROLFE, JOHN brother to Henry, m. Mary Scullard 4 Dec. 1656. Ch— Mary. 16 

Jan. 1660, Rebecca, 9 Feb. 1662, Mary, 2 Nov. 'and d. 10 Dec. 1658. He d. 8 Feb. 

16iil. 
ROLFE, SAMUEL m. Sarah Jepson of Cambrhlge, 1099. Son Samuel, 16 Au". 

1703. ' =. 

ROLFE, BENJAMIN m. Apphia 3 Nov. 16.59, who d. 24 Dec. 1708. He died 

Aug. 1710. Ch— John. 12 Oct. 1660, Benjamin. 13 Sept. 1662, Apphia, 8 March, 
1667, Mary, 16 Sept. 1609, Samuel, 14 Jan. 1672, Mary, 11 Nov. 1674; and d. IS June, 
iri77. Henry, 12 Oct. 1677, Elizabeth,15 Bee. 1679, Nathaniel, 12 Nov. 1681, Abigail, 

5 May, 16,84. . a . 

ROLFE, JOHN m. Dorothy . Son John b. 24 March, 1691, Jonathan, 2 Aug. 169.5. 

ROLFK. JOIINd. 30 Sept.'lOSI. 

RIISS, JOHN born in 1(J1 1, came early to Newbury, thence to Andoverin 1645, where 

he d. 1692. Ch.--.John, 24 June, 1641, Mary, 16 Feb. 1644, Jonathan. Thomas, Josiah, 

and Jo.spph. 



APPENDIX. 317 

SADLER, ANTHONY ha.l a son Abiel b. 2 Nov. IfiSO. 

SALMON. WILLIAM m. Anne Webster 29 Seyl. 1700. 

SAMPSON, JONATHANm. .Marv Chandler 1(5 Nov. ICEI;'). Son Johnb. 17 Aug. lOOG. 

SAMPSON. WILLIAM ni. Christian Ehvell. of Gloiioesier, 1703. 

SAUNDERS, .TOHN born in Ui-.'.5, in Weeks, county of Wiltshitc. was in Newbury in 

lt)4.j. Ch.— SaraSi. 20 An?. 1047, Marv, 12June, 1U4U, Abigail, 12 April, U;jl, Joseph, 

ir..-).i. ami il. lii.51, Elizabeth. 2(1 .Tan. ici.'i.'). 
SAVORY, UOBE1?T m. widow JIary Milthell 8 Dec. 16.5(3. Ch.— Sarah, 12 Nov. 

10.57, William 15 Sept. lOOU, Samuel, IS March, 1002, Rebecca, 20 Jan, 1G04, Roheit, 

s Aug. inco. 

S.^RGENT, WILLL\M one of the twelve men who settled Ipswich in 1033, thence 
to Newburv, thence to ,\mesbury in 1043, where he died about 1075, aged 73. Cli. — 
Thomas. William. Mary, and Elizabeth. 

SAYER. now SAWYER. WILLIAM was in Wenham 1043. thence to Newbury. He 

m. Rulh . Ch.— John. 24 Au;;. 1045. Samuel, 22 Nov. 1040, Ruth, 10 Sept. 1048, 

Bilfield. . Marv, 7 Feb. 10.50. and d. 1659, Sarah, 20 Nov. 1051, Hannah. 23 Feb. 

1654, and d. 1600. William, 1 Feb. 10,56, Francis. 24 March, 1058. and d. 7 Feb. 1060, 
Mary, 29 July, 1600. Stephen, 25 April, 1003, Hannah, 11 Jan. 1005, and d. 2S Aug. 
10«3'. Francis. 3 Nov. 1071). 

SAWYER. WILLIAM son of William, m. Jlary Emery 10 March. 1071. Ch.— Mary, 
20 Jan. 1072. Samuel. 5 June. 1074. John, 15 March, 1076, Rulh, 20 Sept. 1077, Han- 
nah. 12 Jan. 1679. Josiah. 20 Jan. 1(381. 

SAWYER. JOHN son of Wil limn. ra. Sarah Poore IS Feb. 1670. Ch.— Ruth, Sept. 
1677, William, 29 April. 1670. Sarah. 20 May. lC>Sl,Jolin, 25 April, 1083. Jonathan, 
4 March, 168.5, Daniel, 13 Jan. 16S7, John. 10 Sept. 1688, and died 19 March, 1689, 
John. d. 30 Mav. 16S0. ancd 44. 

SAWYER. STEPHEN son of William, m. Ann . Ch.— Ann, 1 Aug. 16S7, Dan- 
iel, 28 Jan. 1689. Enoch. 22 June. 1094. 

SAWYER, JOHN m, Marv Merrill 25 Dec. 1700. 

SAWYER, WILLIAM m. Lydia Webster 7 Jan. 1703. Daughter Elizabeth b. 1 Oct. 
1702. 

SARGENT. CAPT. EDWAKD m. Elizabeth . Ch— Edward and Ebenezer. b. 

at Saco. 2 Dec. 1684, Nathaniel, Saco. 10 Jan. 16S7, Elizabeth. Portsmouth, 3 Oct. 

1689, Elisha, 24 Oct. 1695, Rachel, 10 Oct. 1098, Ichabod, 5 Aug. 1701, Abigail, 26 
June. 1704. 

SEERS. THOMAS m. Mary Hilton, alias Downer, 11 Dcc.lOSG. Ch.— Mary, 30 Oct. 
16.57. Rebecca. 5 Nov. 1661. He d. 26 May, 1601. 

SEWALL. HENRY' sen. b. in Coventry in 1576. m. Anne Hunt, came to Newbury, 
and in 1040 removed to Rowley, where he died March, 1057, in his Slst year. lie 
had one son. Henry, jun. 

SEWALL, HENRY jr. only son of Henry Sewall of Coventry, Eng. came to Ipswich 
16.34. Newbury 1035. m. miss Jane, ilaujhter of Stephen Dummer, 25 March, 1646, 
who d. 13 Jan. 1701, aged 74. He died 10 Mav, 1700, aged SO. Ch. — Hannah, 10 
JIav. 1649, Samuel, 28 March, 16.52, John, 10 Oct. ]ti54. Stephen. 19 An;;. 1057, .Jane, 
25 Oct. 10.59. Ann. 3 Sept. 10(32, Mehetabel,S Mav, 106.5. Dorothy, 29" Oct". 1008. The 
last three were born in Newbury, the others in England. 

SEWALL. MR. JOHN son of Henry, m. Hannah Fessenden, of Cambridge, 27 Oct. 
1674. He died 9 Aug. 1009, aged 4.5. Ch.— Hannah, 21 Dec. 167.5. and d. 4 Julv, 
1677, Hannah, 26 Dec. 1677, .John, 10 April, 1(380, Henrv, 7 Sept. 1682, Steven, 17 
.Ian. Ii3'i4. Samuel. 9 April, 10S8, Nicholas, 1 June, 1090, Thomas, 5 .Alarch. 1093. 

SCULL.\RD, SAMUEL an early settler, m. Rebecca, daughter of Richard Kent, and 
d. 1647. Ch.— Mary. 9 Jan. 1042, Rebekah, 4 Feb. 1644, Sarah, 18 June, 1045, Martha 
Scullard d. March. 104.'). 

SHATSWELL. RICHARD of Ipswich, m. Eleanor Cheney 17 Dec. 1696. Son Rich- 
ard h. 1 Feb. 169S. 

SHORT, ANTHONY Ipswich 163.1. Newbury 1635. He d. childless 4 April. 1070. 

SHORT, HENRY brother to Anthony, m. Elizabeth , who d 22 March. 1048. He 

m. a second wife. Sarah Glover. 9 Oct. 104S. Ch.— Sarah, IS Dec, 1649. Henrv, 11 
March, 1052, John, 31 Oct. 1053, and d. 1054. Sarah, 28 Jan. 1600. He died 5 May, 
1 117.3. 

SHORT, HENRY son of Henry, m. Sarah Whipple 30 March, 1674, who d. 28 Dec. 
1691. He m. Anne Longfellow U .Mav. 1692. He d. 23 Oct. 170(3. aged .54. Ch.— 
Henrv, 22 Aug. 1075, Sarah. 1 Aug. 1077. John. 14 Dec, 1079, and d. 1684, Hannah, 28 
March. 1682, John, 13 Oct. 10S.5. .Matthew, 14 March, 10S8, Lydia, 7 May, 1090, and 
d. 1691, Jane, 4 March, 1093, Samuel. IS Nov. 1694, and d. 1(398, Mehetabel, 12 Jan. 

1690, Samuel. 16 Feb. and d. March. 1(398, Samuel, 22 Feb. 1099, Hannah, 2 Marcli, 
and d. April, 1701, Joseph, 8 April, 1702. 



318 



APPENDIX. 



SILVER, THOMAS Ipsu-ich IKH. then Newbury. His seeond wife, Kallmiine C— 
lie m. IS Aug. IC.l'J, who d. 23 July, IG65. He died G Sepl. 1082. Ch.— Mary, IGJJ,' 
Elizabeth and Martha, 14 March, 16-51, Thomas, 'Mi March. lOr).-!, and d. 1G3G, Thom- 
as. 26 March, U\i,S, John, L'l Anij. IfiCO, Samuel, 10 Feb. 1GG2, Plannah and Sarah, IS 
Oct. 1655. 

SILVER. TH OMA S horn in 10.3'2, m. Mary Willliams 4 Jan. ] GR2, and d. 169.5. DauMi- 
ler Sarah b. 2 Oct. 16.S2. 

SIMMONS. SAMUEL was killed with the fall of a hor^e, IS June 1082 

SLOWMAN. SYMON, son of Symon and Hannah, b. 14 July, 1601. 

SINGLETERRY, RICHARD was born in 15S5. was in Salem 1638, thence to New- 
bury, Salisbury, and Haverhill. He d. 25 Oct. 16S7, in his I02d year. He had a son 
Joliii. and jTerhaps others. 

SMITH. THOMAS weaver, from Romsey. England, came to Newbury, 1638. from 
Ipswich. His wife was Rebecca. Ch. — Thomas, 1639, and drowned in 1648, Dec. 
6. Rebecca, 20 Feb. 1040, James, 10 Sept. 104.5, John. 9 March, 1048, Matthias, 27 Oct. 
16.52, Thomas, 7 July. 16.54, and was killed by the Indians at Bloody Brook, in 1676. 
Thomas Smith, sen. d. 22 April, 1660. A Thomas Smith d. 14 May, 1653. Another 
Thomas Smith had a son John, b. 14 Sept. 16(i8. 

SMITH, LIEUT. JAMES son of Thomas, m. Sarah Coker 26 July, 1067. He was 
drowned at Anticosti Oct. 1090. Ch.— Sarah, 12 Sept. 1068, James, 16 Oct. 1070, 
Thomas, 9 March, 1673, Hannah, 23 March, 1075, Joseph, 8 June, and d. 19 July, 1677, 
John, 1 Nov. 1078. Samuel, 31 Jan. 1080, Benjamin, 21 Au?. 1681, Mary, 27 Feb. 1084, 
and d. 1.3 Dec. 168j. 

SMITH, JAMES son of James, m. Jane . Ch.— James, 25 Nov. 1696, Sarah, 21 

June, 1699. Mary, 23 May, 1701. Hannah, 1 March. 1704. 

SMITH, RICHARD m. Mary Chandler, 17 Oct. 1606. 

SMITH, JOHN m. Rebecca Poore 26 Nov. 1667. Ch.— John. 14 Sept. and d. 14 Oct. 
1668, Rebecca, 1 Au?. 1609, John, 20 Oct. 1671, and d. 31 Aug. 1077, Mary, 29 Dec. 
1673, John, 17 March, 1678, Samuel, 31 Jan. 1680, and d. Nov. 1685, Josiah, 2S March, 
1687, Hannah, 27 .Tan. 1690, Dorothy, 20 Aug. 1092. 

S0MJ:RBY, ANTHONY schoolmaster, son of Richard, who was son of Henry Som- 
erby of Little Bylham, in Lincolnshire, came lo Newbury, in 1039, in the ship Jona- 
than. His wife Abigail d. 3 June, 1673. He d. 31 July, 1086, aged 76. Abiel, his 
only child, was born 8 Sept. 1641. 

SOMERBY, ABIEL son of Anthony, m. Rebecca, daughter of deac. Richard Knight, 
13 Nov. 1601. He died 27 Dec. 1071. aged 30 years. Ch.— Heniy, 13 Nov. 1662, 
Abiel, 20 Dec. 1604, Abiel, 24 Aug. 1607, Abigail, 25 Jan. 1070, Anthony and Rebecca, 
7 June. 1072. 

SOMERBY, HENRY son of Abiel, m. Mary Moody, 20 June, 1083. 

SO.MERBY, ABIEL son of Abiel, m.,Tane Brocklebank, 26 Jan. 1093. Ch.— John, 7 
July, 1093. Sarah, 23 Jan. and d. 8 March, 109.5, Sarah, 12 Feb. 1096, Jane, S Dec. 1098, 
Abiel, 3 Jan. 1702. 

SOMERBY', ANTHONY son of Abiel, m. Elizabeth Heard, of Ipswich, 1690. Ch.— 
Elizabeth, 28 March, 1699, Anthony, 12 March, and d. 22, 1700, Abiel, b. in Feb. and 
d. in March, 1703, Elizabeth, 29 June. 1704. 

SOMERBY, HENRY brother to Anthony, sen. m. Judith, daughter of capt. Edmund 
Greenleaf He d. 2 Oct. 1052. His widow m. Tristram Coffin. Ch.— Sarah, 10 Feb. 
1645, Elizabeth, Nov. 1046, John, 24 Dec. 104S, and d. 14 Dec. 1050, Daniel, IS Nov. 
1050, and d. in the army in 1676, 

SNELLING. DR. WILLIAM came from Chaddlewood, county of Devon. He m. 

in September, 1040. In 1648, July 5, 'he m. Margaret, eldest daughter of 

Giles Stagge. of Southwaik, Barnaby street, at the sign of the Christopher' Ch. — 
William, 24 June, 1049, Ann, 2 March, 1652. He removed to Boston about 1654, and 
there died. 

SPENCER, MR. JOHN came from London lo Ipswich in 1634, thence to Newbury, 
in 1635. He died in England about 1050. In his will he mentions nephew John 
Spencer, brother Thomas Spencer, and cousin Ann Knight. His nephew and heir, 
John Spencer, sold his farm to his uncle, Daniel Pierce, in 1651. 

SQUIRE, PHILIP m. Marv -. His son Thomas b. 31 Oct. 1094. 

STAPLES. THOMAS m. Elizabeth . His daughter Mary b. 6 Jan. 1702. 

STEVENS, WILLIAM m. Elizabeth 19 May, 1645. He died 19 May, 1053. Ch. 

— Bitfield, h. 10 March, 1049, John. 19 Nov. 1050, Samuel, 18 Nov. 1052. 

STEVENS, JOHN came early to Newbury, thence to Andover in 1645, where he died, 
April, 1062. Ch.— John, 20 June, 1639, Timothy, 23 Sept. 1041, Nathan, Joseph, 
Ephrair», and Benjamin. 

STEVENS, THOMAS m. Martha Bartlet 15 April. 1672. A Thomas Stevens m. 
Mary Miglall 1.3 Oct. 1681. 



APPENDIX. ol9 

STEVENS, JOHN m. Mary Chase JIaich 9, UlTO. Ch.— Mary, Feb. 1071, Thomas, 
3 Jiilv, 1076. 

STEVENS, willow ANN died July, 1650. 

STICKNEY, AMOS son of William, a native of Hull, England, came to Boston, 
thence to Rowley, thence to Newhnry. and m. Sarah Morse 24 June. 1663. He d. 29 
Aug. 1'j7S. Ch. — John, 23 June, 1061'., Andrew, Dec. 1657, Amos, 3 Aug. 166f. Joseph, 
14 April, 1071, Benjamin, 4 April, 1673. d. 5 Mar. 1756, Sarah, 19 Oct. 1674, and d. 
1675, Hannah. 31 March, 1676. Moses, 26 Nov. 1677. 

STICKNEY, JOHN son of Amos, m. Marv Poor 10 Dec, 1689. Ch.— Mary, 1 July, 
1601. John. 30 July. 1693, Sarah, Sept. 1698, Joseph, 19 Dec. 1700. 

STICKNEY, ANDREW son of Amos, m. Rebecca , who died 30 Jan. 1693. 

Daughter Rebecca b. 16 Jan. 1693. 

STEWART or STUART, DUNCAN ship builder, m. . He removed to 

Rowley prior to 1680, and was the ship builder in that place. He d. 1717, aged 100. 
Ch. — JIartha. 4 April, 10.59. Charles, 5 June, 1001, James, 8 Oct. 1064, Henry, 1 
May, 1669, all born in Newbury, and three others born in Rowley. 

STUART, JAMES son of Duncan, m. Elizabeth . Ch.— James, 99 July, 1088, 

Charles, 10 Jan. 1090. 

STUART, JOHN m. Elizabeth , who d. 20 Dec. 1089. Daughter Elizabeth b. 

11 Dec. 1089. 

SUTTON, WILLIAM m. Slary Gallbll 27 Oct. 1079. He d. 7 May, 1090. 

SWETT, STEVEN cordwainer, was born in 1620. m. Hannah Merrill 24 May, 1647, 
who d. 4 April, 1662. He then m. Rebecca Smith 4 Aug. 1663, who d. 1 March, 
1670. Ch.— John. 20 Oct. 164S, and d. 13 Jan. 10.52, Steven. 20 Aug. and. 24 Sept. 
1650, Hannah, 7 Oct. 1651, Steven, 28 Jan. 1054, Elizabeth. 10 Jan. 1(3.56, Joseph, 28 
Nov. 16.57, Mary, 17 March, 1662, Benjamin, 20 May, 1604, Rebecca, 4 Dec. 16G5, and 
d. 31 May, 1666, Rebecca. 27 Feb. 1670. 

SWETT, widow PHEBE d. May, 1665. 

SWETT. SARAH d. 11 Dec. 1650. 

SWETT, JOSEPH m. 16.50. 

SWETT, JOHN son of Steven, m. Jlary Plumer 6 Dec. 1670. Ch.— Mary. 10 April, 
1672, Hannah, 15 June, 1074. John, 20 Feb. 1077, Samuel, 10 Sept. 1680, Steven, 27 
Jan. 1084, Joseph, 2 Feb. 1087, Benjamin, 11 April, 10S8. 

SWETT, JOHN jr. m. Susanna Page. His son John b. 31 Dec. 1699. 

SWETT, CAPT. BENJAMIN m. Hester, sister of Nathaniel Weare, Nov. 1047, who 
m. ensign Steven Greenleaf 31 March, 1079, and d. 16 Jan. 1718, aged 89. Ch. — 
Hester,"? June, 1648, Sarah, 7 Nov. 1650, Mary, 7 Jan. 16.52, Mary, 2 May, 16,54, 
Benjamin, 5 Aug. 1656, Joseph. 21 Jan. 1659, Moses. 16 Sept. 1001. Prior to 1604, he 
moved to Hampton, and had five other children. ' He was slain at Black Point by 
the barbarous Indians 29 June, 1677.' 

SYLE, MR. RICHARD m. Hannah Scott Aug. 1097. 

TEWKSBURY, HENRY m. . Ch.— Hannah, 1 Sept. 1062, Henry, 15 Dec. 

1664, Naomi, 18 Jan. 1667, Ruth, 10 March, 1609. 

TOMPSON, MR. EDWARD m. Sarah . Ch.— Samuel, 1 Sept. 1691, Edward, 

14 May, 1695. 

THOMPSON, SYMON m. Rachel Clover 21 Aug. 16.50. 

TILLOTSON. JOHN m. Dorcas Colman, sister of Thomas Colman, 14 July, 16.|S, 
. who d. 1 Jan. 165.5. Hem. Jane Evans 24 May, 105.5. Ch. — Mary, 13 Feb. 1050, 
John, 21 Feb. 1051. James, 19 Dec. 1052, Philadelphia, 28 Sept. 1656, Joseph, 11 Jan. 
165S, Jonathan. 6 July, 1059. 

TITCOMB, WILLIAM came early to Newbury, m. Joanna Bartlet, daughter of 
Richard, sen. He also m. Elizabeth Stevens 3 March, 1054. He d. 24 Sept. 1676. 
Ch.— Sarah, 22 June, 1640. Hannah, 8 Jan. 1642, ."Marv; 17 Feb. 1644, Milla, 7 June, 
1646, William, IS March, 1048, and d. 2 June, 1659, Peniel. 16 Dec. 10,51), Benaiah, 28 
June, 16.53, Elizabeth, 12 Dec. 16.54, Rebecca, 1 April, ir>.56, Tirzah, 21 Feb. 16.58, 
William, 14 Aug. 1(;.59, Thomas, H Oct. 1661, Lydia, 13 June, 1603, John, 17 Sept. 
1004, Ann, 7 June. 1606. 

TITCOMB, MILLESENT d. 20 .Ian. 1664. 

TITCOMB, PENUEL son of William, m. Lydia Poore 8 Jan. 1684. Ch.— Sarah, 22 
Dec. 1084, Sarah, 14 Dec. 168.5. William, 8 April, 16S7, John, 24 Sept. 1689. 

TITCOMB. BENAIAH son of William, m. Sarah Browne 24 Dec. 167S. Ch.— Be- 
naiah, 24 Oct. 1079, Joseph, 25 Jan. 1081. Edmund, 9 Dec. 1682, Sarah, 2 March 
1688. Joseph, 2 April. 1091, Enoch, 1 April, 1695, Marv, 17 Feb. 1608. ' 

TITCOMB. WILLIAM son of William, m. Ann Cottle 15 May, 1683. Ch.— Jedidiah 
17 Jan. 1684, Joanna, 15 July, 1680,, Daniel, 22 April, 1691, Sarah, 17 Dec. 1693, Eliasi 
27 Feb. 1696, Joseph and Benjamin, 30 March, 1098, Moses, 19 June, 1700, Joanna 3 
Sept. 1702. 



C20 A P P E X D 1 X . 

TITCOMB. TIIOAFAS. son of William, m. Mary Bam 30 Nov. IWn. Ch.— Hannah, 
f) Sf|it. iii'.Ci. .Iii.liili, .III July. 1098, Mary, 17 Au^. 1701), Anne. -Jl Jan. 17l):t. 

TOl'l'AN. A liRAIl.MM roopor. came to Newbury in 10.'f7, in. Susanna Goodale of 
Varmoulli. lOnol.irul. wIjo d. 20 March, 11)89. He (i. T) Nov. ](i7':>, asred lU. Ch. — Pe- 
ter, h. in in:!!. Abraham. ir,44, .Jacob, Kj-l."), Susanna, 13 June, 1649, John, 2:i April, 
iri-ll, Isaac. Klizahelh. Hi Oct! Ifiri.^. 

TOl'PAN, DR. PKTHR son of Abraham, m. Jane, thumhler of Mr. Christopher Batt, 
3 April, ICiil. Ch.— Peier, Dec. ]&ri. F.liz.ibeth. M Oct. 1G65. I'etcr, 2-> Dec. 1G07, 
Samuel, rt June, li)70. Christopher. ] •'5 Dec. Ili71. Jane. ■! Jan. Iii7.1. 

TfiPPAN. ABRAHA.M son of Abraham, m. Hmh Pike. He <1. 1704, without issue. 

TOPPA.X. JACf)li son of Abraham, m. Hannah Sewal! -J I Aui;. ir,70. who if 11 Xov. 
1699. He (1. 13 Dec. 1717. Ch.— Jacob. ■-•(! .May. 11171. Samuel. 3(1 Sept. Kw-J. am! il. 
2-') Auj. 1091, Jane. 28 Sejit. 11174, John, ■.:!9 Jan. Hi77, Hannah, 1 Jfirch, 1G79, ]::iiza- 
beth,ao Dec. HiSO, Abraham. 29 June, 1GS4. Ann, IG M.vy, IG8G. 

TOPPAN, JOHN sen. son of Abraham, in. Jlartha . , He was ivonndeil by the 

Indians at Bloody Brook in 1G7G, and d. in Salisbury 26 Dec. 17'i3, ageil 12, leaving a 
son James, b. 1.^) March. ]~i)2. 

TOPPAN, JACOB jr. son of Jacob, m. Sarah Kent, 109G. Ch.— Sarah, 23 Sept. 1697, 
Hannah. 23 Nov. i'G99, Samuel. 6 Jan. 1702. 

TOPPAN. PETER jun. m. Sarah Greeuleaf2S April. IGOG. Ch.— Peterand Timolhv, 
2 Feb. 1G98. Jane, 24 Jan. 1700. Elizabeth. 2") April. 1702. 

TOPPAN, SA.MMEL son of Peter, sen. m. Abigail Wigijlesworlh in 1702. Son Sam- 
uel. 24 Nov. 17112. 

TOPPAN. MR. CHRISTOPHER son of Peter, sen. m. Mrs. Sarah Angier, of Cam- 
bridge, whod. 20 Feb. 1739, in her G4th year. Hedied23 July. 1747. in his 7Gih year. 
Ch.— Christopher, 21 Feb. 1700, I'.dmun'd. 7 Dec. 1701, Bezaleel, 7 March, 170.1. 

TIIOM.AS. WII-LIAAI an early settler, m. Susanna, widow of Robert Rogers, 8 -March, 
H'.Gi;. who d 29 March, 1 G77. He died without issue .30 Sept. 1G99, aged 80. 

THORLA, P.ICIIARD came fiom Rowley to Newhnrv, IG-'il. His wife Jane d. 19 
i\Iarch, 1G81. He d. 10 Nov. li;8.3. Ch. — r''r,ancis b. I'lvtO, Thomas, lii32. 

THORLA, FRANCIS son of Richard, m. Anne Morse 5 Feb. IG.'j.'). He died 26 Nov. 
1703, aged 73. Ch.— Elizabeth, 3 June, IG5G. Mary. 14 Ma^, IG58, and d. 2G Aug. 
10-59, John, 2') March, IGGO. Jonathan, 14 March, IGrVJ. a son and daughter, 20 July, 
liiGl, Richaril. 2.") Nov. IfiO.''), Thomas and Francis. 20 April, IGliO. 

TIIOKLA, THOMAS son of Richard, m. Judith March 1G70, whod. 11 July, IGSn. 
He (1. 23 June, 1713, aged 82. Ch— George, 12 March, 1G71. Simon. 20 Feb. 1073, 
and d. 4 July, 1G90, a daughter, 13 Dec. lG7o. Judith, d. 29 July, 1G77, Judith, 12 Nov. 
1G79, Marv,'l May, 1G82, Judith, 14 April, IGS."). 

THORLA, 'JONATHAN son of Francis, m. Mary Merrill 22 Dec. IGS.'i, who d. II Oct. 
1703. He d. 22 Sept. 1703. Ch. — Elizabeth, 20 Nov. 1G8G, Abraham, 20 Oct. lOSS, 
Fiancis. 20 April. 1G'.I2, Richard, 20 June, 1G94. Abigail, 10 Feb. 1090, Mary, 1 July, 
IGiiS, Jonathan. 29 August, 1G99, Prudence, 4 Sept. 1701, John, 4 March, 1703. 

THORLA, (ilCORGE, son of Thomas, m. Maiy -. He d. 17 Jan. 1714. Ch.— 

Judilh. G Sept. HV.IG, Mary, 11 April, 1G99. 

THORLA. JOHN soo of Francis, m. Sarah How. 2 .March, 1 fiS.5. Ch.— Mary. 10 Feb. 
1GS7, Sarah, 3 Oct. IfiSO. Anne, 29 Feb. 1G92, and d. 1 1 .Sept. 1703, Lydia, 20 Aug. 
1G9.5, Bethia, 3 March. 1098. Hannah. 9 Sept. I70I. 

THRESHER, ARTHUR m. Mary Goodridge, 21 April, 1GS4. Daughter Dorothy, 4 
Feb. 1G92. 

THURSTON, DANIEL sen. an early settler, m. Anne Lightfnot 29 Aug. 16-18. for his 
second wife, his first wife having died 2.') May. 1648. He il. 16 Feb. 1C6G, without 
issue, leaving his estate to his 'kinsman. Daniel Thurston.' 

THURSTON, DANIEL jun. m. Anne Pell. 20 Oct. 16.').'). He died 1^^ Feb. 1693. Ch. 
— Daniel, 2 July, and d.'3 Nov. 16.5!). Hannah, 20 Jan, H).')9. Danir", 18 Dec. li'iGl, Sa- 
rah, 8 Jan. 16G4, Stephen, 2-5 Oct. 1665, Joseph, 14 Sept. IGG'.. Anne. 6 Se|)t. 1C69, 
James. 24 Sept. 1670, Stephen, 25 Oct. 1672, Stephen, .5 Feb. 1674, Abigail, 17 March, 
1678. 

THURSTON, JAMES son of Daniel, m. Marv . Ch.— Hannah, l-l Nov. 1604, 

and <1. 8 Nov. 1701. Dorcas, 20 Oct. 1696. Abner, 28 Feb. 1699, Phebe, 20 June, 1702. 

THURSTON. DANIEL jr. son of Daniel, m. Mary . Ch— Daniel, 26 June, 

IGOO. .I.ihn, 12 June, 1692, Mary, 7 Jan. 1)591, Benjarri.in, 4 May, 1095, Hannah, 20 Jan. 
1698. Martha. 27 Nov. 1700, Jonathan, 16 March, 1701. 

THURSTON. .lOSEPH son of Dmiel, m. Mehetabel Kimball 169.5. 

TRAVERS, HENRY an early settler, in. Bridget . Ch.— Sarah, 1636, James, 

2.8 April, 1645. 

TRUEVVORTHY or TREWORGY, MR. JOHN m. Mrs. P Spencer 15 Jan. 

1046. Sou John b. 12 Aug. 1649. He removed to Saco. 



APPENDIX. 321 

TROTTER, WILLIAM m. Cutbiiry Gibbs 9 Dec. 1G52. Ch.— Mary. 22 Jan. 1653, 
Rebecca, 5 Jiilv, 1U5.1, Samuel, 5 .lune, 16.57, Abisail, 1 Feb. 1064. Sarah, 3 May, 1G65. 

TUCKER, MR.JOHN m. .Alaiv Richardson U July, 1670. Ch.— Mary,13 Way, 1677. 
Mary. 2.') Jan. 1679, R'chaul, 9 .March, 1681, John.'iO July. U'S3. 

TURRILL, THOMAS tanner, d. 22 May, 1677. Judith his wife d. 11 July, 1689. Ha 
left no issue. 

WAKEFIELD, WILLIAM Hampton 16.19, came to Neubury in 1016. 

W.\LLINGTO.\, seaman, m. Sarah Travels 30 .\ug. 16.54. He was taken captive at 
sea and never returned home. Ch. — John. 16 Sept. 16.5'>, and d. 6 Jan. 1650, Nicholas, 
2 Jan. 1657, John, 7 April. 16.59. Sarah, 20 May, 1661, Mary, 29 August, 1G63, James, 
Oct. 166.5, Hannah, 27 Nov. K,07, William, 7 Feb. 1670. 

WARRANT. JOHN d. 2S Oct. 1660. 

WARIIAM. WILLIAM sometimes Worm, b. 1054, m. H.annah Adams 10 Feb. 1082. 
Son Paul, b. 2 Oct. 16S:i. 

WARNER, DOROTHY d. 12 Nov. 16S9. 

WASS, MR. THOMAS schoolmaster, d. IS May. 1691. 

WATSON, WILLIAM m. Sara Perley 6 Dec. 1670. 

WEARE, PETER d. 12 Oct. 1653. 

WEARE, NATHANIEL m. Elizabeth Swain 3 Dec. 16.56. Ch.— Nathaniel, 5 .Ian. 
16.5S, Peler. 5 Nov. 1060, and si.\ others horn in Hampton, whither he removed about 
lOr.S. He d. 13 .May, 1718. aged nearly 87. 

WEBSTER, JOHN son of John of Ipswich was born 1032, came to Newbury with 
his mother and brothers, m. Anna Batt 13 June, 16,53. Ch.— John. 11 Feb. 16.56, Ma- 
ry, 29 March, 16-58, Sarah, 1 July, 10.59, Abigail, 16 March, 1062. Lucy, 19 Dec. 1064, 
Mary, 24 May, 1067, Stephen, 8 May, 1669, Anna, 7 Sept.1071, Nicholas, 19 Oct.1673, 
Jonathan, 21 ..May, 1676. 

WEBSTER. ISRAEL brother to John, was born in 1024, m. Elizabeth Brown 3 Jan. 
1606, who d. 10 Oct. 1068. He d. 7 Dec. 1083. Ch.— Elizabeth. 7 Oct. 106S, Anna, 
July, 1672, Joseph, 15 ilarch, 1670. and d. 2 Jlay, 1689, Mary, 18 May, 1679, Lydia, 
20 Dec. 16S1. His second wife. Elizabeth Lunt, he manied 9 Nov. 1609, who d. 3 
An-. 16.88. 

WEBSTER, STEVEN probably son of John, m. Sarah Clark, 1 Nov. 169S. Ch.— Jo- 
anna and Sarah, 10 Dec. 1701. 

WEBSTER, MARY d. 4 Jl.ay, 16,58. 

WELLS, TIIO.MAS m. Sara Browne 1696. Ch.— Sarah. March, 1099. 

^VELLS, THOMAS m. Mary Parker 3 March, 1073. Son John b. 4 Feb. 1676. 

WEED, NATHANIEL of Amesbury, m. Sarah Slickney 27 Oct. 1701. 

WHITE, CAPT. PAUL came from Pemaquid, now Bristol. Maine, to Newbury. about 
16-53, m. Jlrs. Ann Jones, widow, 14 March, 1065. Jlrs. Bridget White, piobably his 
first wife, d. 11 Dec. 1604. He died 20 July^ 1079, ascd 89. 

WHITE, WILLI.\M Ipswich, then Newbury, then Haverhill, where he d. 28 Sept. 
1690. a^ed 80. -Son James b. about 1649. 

AVHITTIER, THOMAS born in 1620, went to Haverhill from Newbury about 1650, 
and d. 28 Nov. 1696. Ch.— Richard, b. 1063, John, 2:i Dec. 1609, and others. A John 
Whittier d. in Newbury 20 Feb. 1099. A Thomas Whittier died at sea 20 Feb. 1679. 

WTLLET, FRANCIS b. in 1634, m. Martha Silver 20 Dec. 1609. Ch.— .Martha, 24 
Feb. 1670, Francis 22 Feb. 1071, Sara, 19 Jan. 1073. Joseph, 11 May, 1674, William, 
12 Feb. 16M, Thomas, 24 Dec. 1682, Hannah, 5 Au?. 1085, John, 9 July, 1687. 

WILLET, FRANCIS son of Francis, m. Elizabeth Lowle 29 Jan. 1696. Ch.— JIary, ■ 
20 Sept. 1698, Judith, 10 May, 1702. Ruth, 2 May, 1704. 

WILLIAMS. JOHN Ch.— Mary, 20 Sept. 1641, Lydia, 15 JIarch, 16-13. 

WILLIA.MS, JOHN m. Rebecca Colby, 1601. He d. 1671. 

WILLIAMS, JOHN d. :!0 April, 1698. 

WISWALL, TIIO.MAS of Cambridse m. Hannah Cheney 17 Dec. 1696. 

WILLIA.VIS, THOMAS m. Mary, danshlcr of Benjarain Lowle 15 Jan. 1696. 

WINGET, JOSHUA of Hampton m. Mary Lunt 19 Nov. 1702. 

WHEELKR, DAVID born in Salisbury, Ensjland, 162-5, came from Hampton to New- 
bury 164-5. He m. Sarah Wise 11 May 16,50. Ch.— John, 5 Dec. 10-53, Abiijail, 2 
Feb. 10.50, Jonathan, 6 Jan. 1658, Nathan, 27 Dec. 16-59, Lydia, 7 May, 1602, Jelhro, 
26 March, 1604. 

W^HEELER, GEORGE m, Susanna Stowers 30 April. 1660. Ch.— Ephraim,21 Oct. 
1002, Samuel, 15 June, 1061, and d. 27 Dec. 1663, Samuel, 15 Sept. 1604. 

AVIIEELER, ROGER m. Mary Wilson 7 Dec. 1053, who d. 27 Dec. 1058. Ch.— Ma- 
ry. 12 Feb. 10-5-5. Joseph, 29 Aug. 1050, and d. 13 Oct. 1059. 

WHEELER. NATHAN son of David, m. Rebecca . Ch.— Sarah, 4 July, 1692, 

Rebecca, U Sept. 1694, Mercy, 30 Aug. 1090. Abigail, 10 Dec. 169.S. 

WHEELER, JOHN came from Salisbury, England. Ch.— Adam, Edward, and 

4i 



622 APPENDIX. 

William, whom he left in England, David, who m. Saiah Wise, and Anne, who m. 

Aqiiila Chase. He d. 1G70, and his wil^, Anne, 15 Aui}. 1002, 
WHEELER, JOSEPH son of Roger, m. Saiah Badger 24 Sept. 16S5. Daughter 

Mary. 22 Sept. IGSO. 
AVOObBRIDGE, MR. JOHN was born in Stanton, Wiltshire, in 1613, came to N. E. 

in 1031, to Newbury, 1035. He m. Mercy Dudley, daughter of Gov. Tliomas Dud- 
ley. He d 17 March, 1095. Ch. — Sarah, 7 June, 1010, Lucia, 13 March, lfi!2. Mary, 

10.52, Thomas, 1010, John, Beujamiu, Dorothy, Anne, Timothy, Joseph, Martha, and 

one more name unknown. These last were born in England. 
WOOD BRIDGE, MR. JOSEPH son of John. m. Mrs. Martha Rojers 20 May, ICSO. 

He died Ch— Joseph, 7 May, 1GS7, John, 13 Feb. lO'JO, Nathaniel, 28 

Jan. 10!10, Margaret, 109S. 
WOODBRIDGE, MR. THOMAS son of John, m. Mrs. Mary Jones, only daughter 

of ]\Irs. Ann White, 12 June, 1071. He dieil 30 Slarch, IGSl, aged 33. In Judge 

Sewall's diary is the following: 'Thomas Woodbridge is so burnt in his own fire 

that he dieth of insupjiortable torment in about 12 hours time.' Ch. — Paul, 12 Feb. 

1073, Mary, 20 Feb. 1075. Thomas, 28 Jan. 1077, John and Benjamin, 24 Feb. 1079. 
WOODMAN, ARCHELAUS mercer, came from JIalford, England, to Newbury, in 

the James, June, 1035. His wife Elizabeth died 17 Dec. 1077. He m. Dorothy 

Chapman 13 Nov. 107S. He d. 7 Oct. 1702. 
AVOODMAN, MR. EDWARD came from Malford with his brother Archelaus. Ch. 

—Sarah, 12 Jan. 1042, Jonathan, 5 Nov'. 1043, Ruth, 2S March, 1040, and perhaps 

others. 
WOODMAN, EDWARD jr. was born in 1028, m. IMary Goodridge 20 Dec. 1653. 

Cb.— Mary. 29 Sept. 10.34. i;iizabeth, 11 July, lO-jO, and d. 27 Dec. 1059, Edward, 

10.3S, Rebecca. 17 Sept. 1001, Rebecca, 29 July, 1003, Sarah, 18 July, 100.5, Judith, 18 

Nov. 10ii7, Edward, 20 March. 1070, Archelaus, 9 June, 1072, Margaret. 31 .^ug. 1070. 
WOODMAN. JOSHUA m. Elizabeth Stevens 22 Jan. 1000. Ch.— iMehetabel, 20 

Sept. 1077. Jonathan. 
AVOOnMAN. JOHN m. Mary Field 15 July, 10-50. 
WOODMA\. JONATHAN In. Sarah Mighill of Rowley 1700. 
WOODMAN, JOSHUA m. Mehclabcl Wicomb 1703. 

WOODMAN, ARCHELAUS jr. m. Hannah . -. Ch.— Mary, 26 Feb. 1090, Ed- 
ward. 12 M,iy, 10,98, Archelaus. 15 I\Iay, 1700. 
WOODJIAN,EDWARD m. Mary Sawyer 29 .Tune, 1702. 
WOODMAN. JONATHAN ship builder, m. Hannah Hilton, 2 July, 1008. Ch.— 

Hannah, 8 JIarch, iri09, S.irah, 19 Oct. 1070, Ruth, 11 July, 1072, Jonathan, 16 April, 

107 1. Iclinbod. 20 April, lii70, Mary, 25 April, 1078, William, 29 March, 1081. 
WOOD.MAN, JONATHAN jr. son of Jonathan, sen. m. Abigail Atkinson, 1096. 

Daujht.r Hannah. 21 Aug. 10,90. 
WOOLCOTT or WOLCOTT, carpenter, born in 1032, m. Mary Thorla 20 Nov. 

1053. Ch.— .Mary, 1054. Sarah, 23 Aug. 1057, John, 25 Oct. 1000, Joseph, 2 Feb. 

1604, Elizabeth, 24 Feb. 1007, Martha, 13 Sept. 1070, Lydia, 15 Jan. 1674, Hannah, IS 

April. 1079. 
WOOLCOT, JOHN m. Mary Emerson 4 Jan. 168.5. 

WORSTER, TI.MOTHY m. Huldah . Son Samuel b. 23 Oct. 1001. 

WOOLERV, RICHARD m. Hannah Hu-gins 24 Dec. 107S. Ch.— A daughter 1 Feb. 

1080, Hannah, 10 Feb. lOSl. Mary, 22 Fob. 16S3. 
WOOLSWORTM, RICHARD, weaver, Newburv. 1079. 
WORTH. LIONEL m. Susanna, daughler of John Whipple. He d. 29 June, 1607. 

The widow Susanna m. Moses Pilsbury 1008. Ch. — Susanna, i\Iary, Judith, Sarah, 

Oi-t. 10.5,',, John, 18 Sept. 1001. and perhaps others. 
AVORTH, RICHARD m. Mary Pike 11 Sept. 1007. 
WORTH, JOHN son of Lionel, m. Elizabeth Webster 17 March, 1GS7. Ch.— Eliza- 

beih, 17 Aug. 10,88, John, 7 Feb. 1090, Joseph, 7 Aug. 1093, Edmund, 22 Oct. 1095. 
WRIGHT. JOHN had ch. Jonathan, 7 Dec. 10.50, Ruth, .31 May, 10.52. 
YOUNG, .MATTHEW m. Eleanor Hayes 23 April, 10,90. 
yOUNO;, EDWARD m. Hannah . Ch.— Thomas, 17 Jan. 1091, Richard, 7 

Sept. 1093. 
WVATT, JOHN m. Maiy Badger 15 Dec. 1700. 
WEBSTER, JOH.M jun. son of John, m. Bridget Huggins 9 March. 1681. Ch.— 

Anne, 9 June, 1082,' John, 2 Nov. 10S3, Sarah, 28 Dec. "108.5, Israel, April, 108S, 

Hannah. 5 Oct. 1092, Stephen, 11 Jan. 1098. 
WELLS, .lOllN m. .Mary Grcenleaf 5 March, 1069. Ch.— Mary, 10 Dec. 1009, and 

d. 1070, INIary, 10 Feb. 1073, William. 15 Jan. 1075. 



APPENDIX. 323 



E. Page 17. 

As a specimen of tlic manner, in which histoiy, so called, is some- 
times written, I am induced to make an extract from the first number 
of the ' Reminiscences ' of the right reverend Pliilandcr Chase, formerly 
bishop of Ohio, but now bishop of Illinois, a descendant from Aquila 
Chase. To this extract, I shall append a few notes (indicated by fig- 
ures,) designed to correct some of the mistakes, into which the bishop 
has fallen. As these mistakes are not of any great consequence, it 
really seems a pity to spoil so good a story, but, as the bishoii lias on 
the authority of others, asserted in his 'reminiscences,' circumstances 
that no person ever remembered, for the very conclusive reason that they 
never happened, I have thought pro[)er, for the honor of 'ould A'ew- 
berr}',' to state that there is nothing in the town or church records, 
which ' put together,' aflbrds any materials lor the following 'singular 
story,' as it is very properly styled. On the clnuch records the name 
of Aqnila Chase is not found, and the following grant comprises all 
that the town records say concerning him. Who the person might 
be, whom the bishop employed to examine the town records I know- 
not ; he must have been of that class, who prefer fiction to fact, and 
find it easier to invent, than to examine. The following is a copy of 
the grant. 

' Granted to Aquila Chase anno IG-IG four acres of land at the new 
towne for a house-lott, and six acres of upland for a planting lott, where 
it is to be had and six acres of marsh, where it is to be had also, on 
condition that he do goc to sea and do service in the tomie with a boate 
for four years.' Pro|)rietors' records, page 07. 

The following is the extract from the ' Reminiscences,' published in 
1841. 

'Aqcila Chase, accordinz to a tradition amonj his descendants, was a native of 
Cornwall, in England, and was born in lOlS. It is itertain from the (I ) records of the 
town of Newbury, at the month nf j\Icrrimnck river, that he was the first rnplain who 
in a rPKular vessel ever sailed into that port. By reiisori of his nautical skill ami enter- 
prising charact<'r, he received an invitation from the inhabitants ol that infant settlement 
to brin^ his fiimily from Hampton, not far off. where they had lived a few years on 
coming to America, and make his home among them ; and to ensure his compliance, 
the ' sckct mill' who acted as (what is called in other places than New England) a town 
council, tendered him the donation of several lots of land and some other ininuinilies. (2) 
He complied with their wishes and became an inhabitant of that then promising 
maritime village. (3) 

'It appears fiom the records (J) which the writer caused to be e.xamined in 
Newburyport in ISifi, that captain Aquila Chase had several children and an aficc- 
tionate wife, who made home to him more than ordinarily agreeable. Connected with 
these facts and circumstances there are recordeil on the town books (.')) many events, 
which, being put together, fully justify in its main features the truth nf the following 
singular slory of this venerable ancestor of most of the New England Chases. 

' It appears that the captain and his industrious family had improved the lots, which 
had been presented to him by the 'select men,' into a pretty garden ; (fi) and while the 
enlerprisingand hardy parent was at sea, butieting the waves and enduring the hardships 
of a voyage across the Atlantic, the wife and children felt that they could do no less 
than try to make him comfortable on his return and during his stay (ijhort enough 
always) on shore. 

' It happened on a year of peculiar vernal (7) forwardnessin gardening, aflerthecaptain 
had been absent a great part of the winter, and had delayed his return beyond the 
e.vpected lime, that this most affi?ctionate family mutually conferred together on the 
great question how they co{ild most acceptably, by their skill in gardening, welcome 
bis return whom of all earthly beings lliey loved most. The buys proposed to force 



324 APPENDIX. 

forward the potatoes; (8) the girls thought that the sweet flowers of May would please 
him best; but llie mot lie r observed that she knew of something which v\oiild giatify 
him more than all. ' Green peas are your father's favorite,' said she; 'and it is my 
wish that we try to force them forward to the utmost of our power.' 

' There was something more than that which met the eye in this expression. Jlrs. 
Chase had often heard her husband complain of tlie danger to bodily health, in long 
voyages at sea, from the want of vegetal)le diet; for acids (U) at that era were not 
kno\vn as means to obviate this evil. She therefore could not but rningle with the 
motives which prompted her to treat her husband v^ith kindtiess. in piesenting him 
with the first fruits of her garden on his arrival, something beside the mere pleasure of 
seeing him regale hi.^ appetite, and that was a settled conviction that the same would 
be for his health. ' He must have been a long time at sea,' said she to her children, 
■when cultivating the favorite bed of peas ; ' and who knows but this precaution may 
not prevent some deadly disease V 

' Never were children more mindful of a parent's commands than were those of captain 
Chase in all things relating to the cultivation of the garden peas rneant to greet him 
on his e.Kpected arrival. The dark green vines of this delicious vegetable grew apace ; 
the flowers put forth, and the jjods formed and swelled ; and, just as they w ere ready to 
pluck, a vessel was seen crowding all her sails to get into port. 

'It was Sunday morning. The news came that she had passed the bar: then that 
captain Chase himself had been descried as if giving cheerful ciders to his men; again 
it was reported that he had arrived and laid bh ihip •lung siile of Niu-bury old wharf.' 1 10) 

' This indeed was a reality, and the grateful father was soon on shore, surrounded by 
his sons, — full of talk, of questions, and of glee. 'But it is the Sabbath,' said the 
youngest boy ; ' we must not talk loud ; the deacon will heai' us if v^'e do.' ' Suppose 
ire do, mv child,' said the father, tenderly ernltracing him ; ' God hears us, too, and 
knows our hearts and thoughts, and how thankful we all are for being permitted, alter 
so long a voyage, to meet in peace and health.' 

' As they were walking to their home, another of his sons said, 'dear father, it will 
give mother a great deal of pleasure to see you.' ' I hope so, my son.' ' But she will 
be additionally happy when she sees you eat her g/-em/;ms.' 'What green peas,' said 
the captain. ' Some that we have all been raisii;g, at mother's particular leijuest. to 
regale you on your ariival. No one else in Newbury has any half so forward. Yes. 
Ihey are ready, mother Slid, to pick this moment; and when we came away she said 
she wished you had come on a week day, for then you should ha\e them for dinner.' 
' Suppose we were yet to have them V said the father. 'Did not the disciples of our 
Lord pluck the ears of corn, and rub them in their hands, and eat thein too, on the 
Sabbath day; and may we not pick and eat the green peas without incurring the divine 
displeasure ? ' 

' This was reported to the ear.5 of the mother, and consent was obtained to prepare 
the peas. And now comes the ditiiculty. Some one who was going home from 
' meeting,' (ibr it was thought sinful to say, ' going home from i hvnh ' in those days, 
siw the captain's family in Ihe garden on the Sabbath day, and that they were gathering 
peas! (11) The next day he was cited to appear before the minister. The captain pled 
his own cause, — it seems one against many, — and cited the passage alluded to in his 
justification. At the close he alleged that he had been long at sea, and that the peas 
■were necessary to his bodily health, arivl would be adjudged so by tlie physicians. It 
was unfortunate for him that he attempted to draw a contrast between his accusers 
and the ancient Scribes and Pharisees. This shut the door of mercy on him, and they 
pronounced him 'guilty.' (r2) They did not punish him corporeally, as in those days 
was common, ' with forty stripes save one,' but they laid a heavy line upon him, and 
compelled him to pay. (!').) 

' It does not appear that captain Chase retained any ill will toward the ]ieople of 
Neubury on account of this treatment: on the contiavy, all his descendants have had 
and still have a traditionary atl'ection for the place and its inhabitants, where that 
venerable ancestor was invited to reside, and wliere he spent so m;uiy of his happiest 
days.' 

Note (1.) Notliinii^ of the kind is on the recor.l.s. nor is there the sli;;hfpst 
evidence that Aiiuila Chase wa.s ever master of a ves.sel. Had that been the 
case, he would have been called on the records, captain, or master, especially 
in those days, when a title of any kind was a mark of distinction, and never 
omitted. 

Note (2.) This is a mistake. There were no 'other immnnities,' than the 
grants of land above mentioned. 

Note (3.) ' Promising maritime village.' At this time there was no village 



APPENDIX. 325 

in what is now Newbiiryport. As late as 1700, fifty-four years after Aquila 
Chase came to Newbury, there were but two dwelling houses and one fish 
house between Mr. Daniel Pierce's farm, and Chandler's lane on Water street. 
One of these houses w'as Mr. Daniel Pierce's, and the other, doctor Humphrey 
Eradstreet's, which stood near Hale's wharf. JS'ewburyport market was then an 
alder swamp, and boats came up near wliere the town pump now stands. 

Note (4) and (5.) The town 'records,' so far from ' fully justify iiig in its 
main features the truth of the ' precedinij ' singular stor}',' contain no allusion to 
any ' event,' in any way connected widi it e.xcept the giants and condition on 
which they were given. 

NoTK (6.) ' Improved the lots into a pretty garden.' If tliis were the fact, 
the ■ garden ' must have been large as well as ' pretty,' as the lots contained 
si.vteen acres, of which six were ' salt marsh.' 

Note (7.) ' Peculiar vernal forwardness.' The county records state 'Sep- 
tember 16.16, Aquila Chase and wife and David Wheeler of Hampton were 
presented for gathering peas on the Sabbath day.' David Wheeler was brother 
to Aquila Chase's wife. 

Note (S.) ' The boys proposed to force forward the potatoes.'' This cannot 
be true, as there was not a potato raised in New England till 1719, which was 
seventy-three years after Aquila Chase's family are said to have tried their 
skill in gardening. There is another dirticultv. ' The boys,' at that time were 
not in being. Aquila Chase's oldest son, Aquila, was born 26 Sept. 1652, and 
his oldest daughter, Sarah, was probably, at the time of 'gathering pease,' about 
a year old. 

Note (9.) This is an error. Acids were as well known 'as means to obviate 
the evil ' of \vhich he speaks, as they are now. See Winthrop, volume first, 
page forty-fifth, anno 1630, and seveial other places. 

Note (10.) -Long side of Newbury old wharf.' This cannot be true, as the 
first wharf in Newbury, now Newbmyport, was not erected till 1655, which was 
nine years after the ' peas were gathered.' 

Note (11.) ' Cited to appear before the minister.' Tliere are two objections 
to this statement, supposing all the remaining parts of the story are true. First, 
Aquila Chase was not a member of the church in Newbury, and consequently, 
he was not amenable to an ecclesiastical tribunal. Secondly, if he had been 
a member, ' the minister' was not the person to settle the difficulty witli the 
offending brother, but the brethren. See Matthew, ch. 18, v. 15, 16, 17. 

Note (12) and (13.) ' They pronounced him 'guilty," 'laid a tax on him 
and compelled him to pay.' These statements are not correct. As the case 
was a civil one. they, i. e. his accusers, had no power to do either. The county 
records state, that Aquila Chase was ordered to be ' admonished.' but the usual 
fines for such an otlence were ' remitted.' 

It will readily be seen, that the evidence, on which the bishop founded 
his stoiy, and which he presumed was correct, will not bear a very 
rigid examination. It is proper to add, that the errors w-ere pointed out 
to the bishop, who expressed his gratitude for the information, and de- 
clared that the mistakes would be corrected in a second edition, sliould 
one be printed. Mistakes, in some respects similar to the preceding, 
are very numerous in historical works, and authors and compilers will 
find it difficult, if not imjiossible, in all cases to avoid them. Thus, for 
instance, tliere was published many years ago an amusing account of 
an interview between the reverend Nathaniel "Ward, of Ipswich, and 
the reverend Cotton Mather, of Boston, the writer inobably not know- 
ing that Mr. Ward died in England, several years before Mr. Mather 
was born. In Abbott's liistory of Andovcr, page 150, it is stated that 
John Kittredge was grandson of Joiai Kittredge, ' a physician from 
Germany.' Now it so htippens that this German doctor was born in 
ELllcrica, in IGGG, who married at the ago of uiuetccn, and died in 17 M. 



026 APPENDIX. 

I once received a letter from a descendant of one of the first settlers in 
Newbury, in which he in minutely tracing his pedigree back to old 
England, made his New England ancestor five years older than his 
English father, the latter being born in 1G09, and his son in 1G04, a 
very forward youth, certainly. In a printed book, now before me, the 
writer, in one case, makes the father about 120 years of age, when his 
first son was liorn. In the life of president IloUey, there is an anachronism 
of a hundred years, which makes the genealogy of his family utterly 
worthless, because it cannot be true. Other iiistances might be pointed 
out, and pcrliujis some in this very book, which will remind the reader 
of the assertion made by the insane jiatient, mentioned hy doctor Piush. 
He declared that his father was Alexander the great, his mother was 
queen Elizabeth, and that he was born in Philadelphia. Persons, who 
are not insane, sometimes make ludicrous mistakes, and should the 
compiler of this work be found in that class, the reader, as in all other 
instances of the kind, must be as charitable as the case will admit. 



F. rage G3. 

The following ballad is the one alluded to paire G3, and was first 
published some years ago, in the North Star, a Philadelphia annual. 
Its republication will, I doubt not, gratify many of my readers, who will 
have an opportunity of comparing and contrasting the facts of the his- 
torian with the beautiful embellishments of the poet. 

The goodman sat beside liis door 

One sultry afternoon, 
With his younj wife sinjing at his side 

A quaint and goodly tune. / 

A glitiimer of heat was in the air, 

The dark green woods were still; 
Anil the skirts of a heavy thunder cloud 

Hung over the western hill. 

Black, thick and vast arose that cloud 

Above the wilderness. 
As some dark world from upper air 

Were stooping over this. 

At limes the solemn thunder pealed, 

And all was still again, 
Save a low murmur in the air 

Of coming wind and rain. 

Just as the first big rain drop fell, 

A weary stranger came, 
And stood before the farmer's door. 

With travel soiled, and lame. 

Sad seemed he, yet sustaining hope 

Was in bis quiet glance, 
And peace, like autumn's moonlight clothed 

His tranquil countenance. 

A look, like this his Master wore 

In Pilate's council hall : 
It told of \A'rongs, but of a love 

ileekly forgiving all. 



APPENDIX. 

' Friend! ivilt thou give me shelter here I ' 

The stranger meekly said ; 
And leaning on his oaken staff, 

The goodman's features read. 

' My life is hunted — evil men 

Are following in my track; 
The traces of the torturer's whip 

Are on my aged back. 

And much I fear 'twill peril thee 

Within thy doois to take 
A hunted seeker of the truth, 

Oppressed for conscience' sake.' 

0, kindly spoke the goodman's wife, 

" Come in, old man ! ' quoth she, 
'We will not leave thee to the storm, 
Whoever thou mayst be.' 

Then came the aged wanderer in, 

And silent sat him down ; 
While all within grew dark as night 

Beneath the storm cloud's frown. 

But while the sudden lightning's blaze 

Filled every cottage nook, 
And with the jarring thunder roll 

The loosened casements shook, 

A heavy tramp of horses' feet 

Came sounding up the lane, 
And lialf a score of horse or more 

Came plunging through the rain. 

' Now, goodman JIacy, ope thy door, 
We would not be house breakers; 

A rueful deed Ihou 'st done this day, 
In harboring banished quakers.' 

Out looked the cautious goodman then, 

With much of fear and awe. 
For there with broad wig drenched with rain. 

The parish priest he saw. 

' Open thy door, thou wicked man, 

And let thy pastor in. 
And give Gu'd thanks, if forty stripes 

Repay thy deadly sin.' 

' What seek ye ? ' quoth the kind goodman, 
' The stranger is mv guest; 

He is worn with toil and grievous wrong- 
Pray let the old man rest.' 

' Now, out upon thee, canting knave ! ' 
And strong hands siiook the door, 

' Believe mo, Macy,' quoth the priest, 
' Thou 'It rue thy conduct sore.' 

Then kindled Macy's eye of fire, 
' No priest, who walks the earth, 

Shall pluck away the stranger guest 
Made welcome to my hearth." 

Down from his cottage wall he caught, 

The match-lock, hotly tried 
At Preston-pans and Marston-moor 

By fiery Iteton's side; 



327 



328 APPENDIX. 



Whore puritan and cavalier, 

Wilh shout and psalm contended ; 

And Kupert's oath, and Cromwell's prayer 
With battle thunder blended. 

Up rose the ancient stranger then ; 

' My spirit is not free 
To bring the wrath and violence 

Of evil men on thee; 

And for thyself, I pray forbear 

Bethink thee of thy Lord. 
Who healed again the .smitten ear. 

And sheathed his follower's sword. 

I go, as to the slaughter led ; 

Friends of the poor, farewell ! ' 
Beneath his hand the onken door, 

Back on its hinges fell. 

' Come forth, old gray beard, yea and nay,' 

The reckless scofl'ers cried. 
As to a horseman's saddle bow 

The old man's arms were tied. 

And of his bondage hard and long 

In Boston's crowded jail. 
Where sutiering woman's prayer was heaid 

With sickening childhood's wail, 

It suits not with our tale to tell, 
Tliose scenes have passed away — 

Let the dim shadows of the past 
Brood over that evil day. 

' Ho, .sheriff!' quoth the ardent priest — 

' Take goodman Macy loo; 
The sin of this day's heresy 

His back or purse shall rue.' 

And priest and sheriff both together 

Upon his threshold stood, 
When Macy, through another door 

Sprang out into the wood. 

' Now% good wife, as thou Invest nr?e, haste ! ' 

She caught his manly arm : 
Behind, the parson urged pursuit, 

V\'ith outcry and alarm. 

Ho! speed the Macys, neck or nought, 

The river's course was near: 
The plashing on its pebbled shore 

Was music to their ear. 

A gray rock, tasseled o'er with birch, 

Above the waters hung, 
And at its base with every wave 

A small light wherry swung. 

A leap — they gain the boat — and tnere 

The goodman wields his oar ; 
' III luck betide them all,' he cried — 
' The laggards upon shore.' 

Down through the crashing underwood 

The burley sheriff came ; — 
'Stand, goodman JNIacy — yieM thyself; 

Yield, in the king's own name.' 



APPENDIX. 329 



' Now out upon thy hangman's face ! ' 

Bold Macy aiiswereil I hen, 
* "Whip ironuii on the village green, 

But meddle not with men.' 

The priest came panting to the shore, 

His grave cocked hat was gone; 
Behind him, like some owl's nest, hung 

His wig upon a thorn. 

'Come back — comeback,' the parson cried, 

' The church's curse beware.' 
' Curse an' thou wilt,' said Macy, ' but 

Thy blessing prithee spare.' 

'Vile scoffer !' cried the baffled priest, — 

* Thou 'It yet the gallows see.' 
' Who 's born to be hanged, will not be drowned,' 

Quoth Macy merrily; 

And so, sir sheriff and priest, good bye! , 

He bent him to his oar, 
And the small boat glided quietly 

From the twain upon the shore. 

Now in the west, the heavy clouds 

Scattered and fell asunder, 
And feebler came the rush of rain. 

While fainter growled the thunder. 

And through the broken clouds the sun 

Looked out serene and warm. 
Painting its holy symbol-light 

Upon the passing storm. 

Oh, beautiful ! that rainbow span, 
O'er dim Crane neck was bended; 

One bright foot touched the eastern hills 
And one with ocean blended. 

By green Pentucket's southern slope 

The small boat glided fast. 
The watchers at the block house saw 

The strangers as they passed. 

That night a stalwart garrison 

Sat shaking in their shoes. 
To hear the dip of Indian oars — 

The glide of birch canoes. 

They passed the bluffs of Amesbury, 

And saw the sunshine glow 
Upon the Powow's winding stream, 

And on the hills of Po. 

The fisher-wives of Salisbury 

(The men were all away) 
Looked out to see the stranger-oar 

Upon their waters play. 

Deer island's rocks and fir trees threw 

Their sunset shadows o'er them. 
And Newbury's spire and weathercock, 

Peered o'er the pines before them. 

Around the Black rocks on their left 

The marsh lay broad and green. 
And on their right with dwarf shrubs crowned. 

Plum island's hills were seen. 

42 



830 APPENDIX. 

With skillful hand and wary eye, 
The harbor bar was crossed ; 

A play thing of the restless wave, 
The boat on ocean tossed. 

The glory of the sunset heaven 
On land and water lay, — 

On the steep hills of Agawam, 
On cape, and blurt" and bay. 

They passed the gray rocks of cape Ann 
And Gloucester harbor bar; 

The watch-fire of the garrison 
Shone like a setting star. 

How brightly broke the morning. 
On INIassachusctts bay ! 

Blue wave and bright green island, 
Rejoicing in the day. 

On passed the bark in safety, 
Round isle and headland steep ; 

No tempest broke above them, 
No fog-cloud veiled the deep. 

Far round the bleak and stormy cape, 
* The venturous Macy passetl. 

And on Nantucket's naked isle 
Drew up his boat at last. 

And how in log-built cabin, 

They braved the rough sea-weather j 

And there, in peace and (Quietness, 
Went down life's vale together ; 

How others drew around them, 
And how their fishing sped. 

Until to every wind of heaven, 
Nantucket's sails were spread ; 

How pale Want alternated 
With Plenty's golden smile; 

Behold, is it not written 
In the annals of the isle ? 

And yet that isle remaineth 

A refuge of the free, 
As when true-hearted Macy 

Beheld it from the sea. 

Free as the winds that winnow 
Her shrnbless hills of sand ; 

Free as the waves that batter 
Along her yielding land. 

Than hers, at Duty's summons, 
No loftier spirit stirs : 

Nor hWa on human suflbring, 
A readier tear than hers. 

God bless the sea-beat island ! 

And grant for evermore. 
That Charity and Freedom dwell, 

As now, upon her shore ! 



APPENDIX. 331 



G. Page 174. 

Joseph Barllett, the author of the follo\ving narrative, was a native 
of Newbury. He was the fifth son of Richard and Hannah Bartlctt, 
and was born 18 November, 1GS6, and died 17-51, aged 6S. For a copy 
of the pamphlet, wliich was published in 1807, 1 am indebted to one 
of his descendants, doctor Levi S. Barllett, of Kingston, N. H. 

NARRATIVE. 

' In the year 1707. in November, I Joseph Bartlett, was pressed, and sent to Haverhill. 
My quarters were at the house of a captain Waindret. August 29, 1708, there came 
about 160 French and 50 Indians, and beset the town of Haverhill — set lire lo several 
houses; among which was that of captain \Vaindret.* The family at this time were 
all reposing in sleep; but Mrs. Waindret waking, came and awaked and told me that 
the Indians had come. I was in bed in a chamber, having my gun and ammunition by 
my bed-side. I arose, put on my small clothes, took my gun, and looking out at a 
window, savp a company of the enemy lying upon the ground just before the house, 
with their guns presented at the windows, that, on discovering any person, they might 
fire at them. I put my gun to the window very still, and shot down upon them, and 
bowed down under the window; at which they fired, but I received no harm. I we||( into 
the other chamber, in which was Jlrs. Waindret, who told me, we had better call for 
quarter, or we should all be burnt alive. I told her we had better not; for I had shot, 
and believed I had killed half a dozen, and thought we should soon have help. After 
re-loading my gun, I was again preparing for its discharge, when I met with a Mr- 
Newmarsh. who was a soldier in that place. He questioned me concerning my desti- 
nation. I answered, that I w-as going to shoot. He told me if I did shoot, we should 
all be killed, as captain Waindret had asked for quarter, and was gone to open the door. 
I asked him what we should do in this situation. He ^said we must go and call for 
quarter; and, setting our guns in the chamber chimney ; we went down and asked for 
quarters. The entry was filled with the enemy, who took and bound us, and plundered 
the house. They killed no one but captain Waindret. When they had done plunder- 
ing the house, they marched off; and at no great distance coming into a body, I had a 
good view of them, so that I could give a pretty correct account of their number, ex- 
pecting to escape. 

'After a short stop, they proceeded. When they had travelled a short distance, the 
Indians knocked in the head one of their prisoners, whose name I think was Len- 
dall. a man belonging to Salem. They then marched on together, when captain Eains 
with a small company waylaid and shot upon them, which put them to flight so that 
they did not get together again until three da3's after, as the French afterwards informed 
me. The small company which had me in keeping, I believe did not fire a gun. 

'At first I was taken by the French, and was with them till this fight was over; du- 
ring which an Indian came to me in great fury, with his hatchet, I suppose to take 
away my life; but, through the mercies of God, the French put him by; and so I was 
spared. I heard many bullets hum over my head, as we marched away. After the 
light was over, the French gave me to the Indians — for the Indians killed their prison- 
ers. How many were killed in the fight I do not know. I saw one Indian that had 
his thigh broken, whom two of them carried away to a pond of water, where I thought 
they put him in, but after a great while the French told me that another Indian staid 
with and took care of him, and about three months after he brought him to iMontreal; 
but he was ever after lame. We travelled hard ail that day till nearly sun-set, when 
they camped for the night. They tied me down, and laid each side of me upon the 
strings; and so they did almost everv subsequent night. The ne.xt morjiing they arose 
very early, and led me — mv arms being tied behind me, and another squaw-line about 
my neck. I was led by an Indian, who had a hatchet in his hand, and a pistol in his 
giidle. In this manner I was led the most part of the way. They travelleil hard the 
three lirst days. I had not as yet eaten hardly any thing, for they had little besides 
horse-meat; and, carrying a heavy pack, 1 was very inuch fatigued. Ascending a steep 
hill a little before we came to Wmnipesocket pond. 1 was almost re.idy to give out; 
but, through the goodness and help of God. I was enabled to proceed this third day; 
but at night I was extremely faint. The Indians made a little water pottage without 
salt or sweetning, and gave me some to drink. 1 drank a little draught ; and with the 

• Captain Simon Wainwright. 



332 APPENDIX. 

blessing of God. it very much revived me, and proved l)ie best cordial I ever took in 
my life. I slept very well that night, and the ne.\t morning was very cold, and so hun- 
gry that I could eat almost any thing. Marching a short distance, we came to the 
pond, where the French anil Indians all took tlieir canoes, which were a little way 
from the pond. Here the French and Indians parted; tlic former going northerly, and 
the latter westerly. Before we had crossed the pond, we saw a bear swimming, whicli 
they killed, and hauled to shore. We then fared sumptuously, and tarried at the pond, 
about a day and a half Leaving their canoes a little way otF, we travelled for five 
days, with very little sustenance, except a small quantity of pounded corn, which they 
had procured. In these live days the Indians scatteied, so that there were but f)urteen 
or fifteen with me. From Winnipesocket pond we came to a river which runs into the 
lake. Here the Indians in a day and a half made canoes, in which we ]>roceeiled down 
the liver three days ; having nothing to cat but a lew sour grapes and thorn plumbs for 
four days. They then killed a hawk, which they boiled, and parted among fitleen — 
giving the head ibr my share, which was the largest meal I had in these four days; but 
with the blessing of God I was strengthened, and had my health. The Indians, when 
much reduced by hunger, would gird up their loins with a string, which I found very 
useful when applied to myself 

' Goins down the river to the lake, we met several companies of Indians, who gave 
us some corn and ponipkins; and when we came to the lake we met ten Frenchmen, 
who came to give us provisions. After this, the Indians killed five sturgeons, which 
gave us a good supply of food. One of the Indians being taken sick, we camped for 
two or three days. They then set out for another island in the night; and the wind 
and waves were very high, so that the water beat into the canoes. Sitting on the bot- 
tom of one of the.se, I was very wet and cold. When they came to tlie shore, we 
camped for a short time ; and in about three days we proceeded to Chamblee, a French 
fort upon the river that runs from the lake into the St. Lawrence, or Canada river — 
where we obtained an additional supply of food. I here saw an jLuglishman, whose 
name was Lilllelield — taken I think from Wells. We had a little talk with the Indi- 
ans, and tarried there three or four hours. We made two encampments within a short 
distance; the last of which continued four days, in consequence of the indisposition 
o^ one of the Indians. Some of tiie Indians carried those who were sick upon their 
bicks. Before wo reached Montreal, we came to Capredia, a French fort I think about 
fifteen miles from Chamblee — where the Indians cut the hair from one side of my 
head — greased the remainder and my face, and painted the latter. 

' We then went over the river to the governor — where they examined and questioned 
me concerning the aliairs of our land — whether the English talked of invading Cana- 
da or not. Altervvards we went to the seminary, that is, the priest-house, where we 
tarried that night. Next morning we set out for the Indians' fort, w'hich the French 
called Sadrohelly, and which was about nine miles from jNIontreal. When they had 
proceeded about half-way, they made a stop, and marked a tree with the picture of a 
man's hand and some scalps. They then lerl me along a little further to a place where 
was a fire and about fifteen Indians and thirty boys. Here they made a stop, and tied 
me ibr a short lime; during which I believe they held a counsel whether to burn me 
or not. But (iod, who lialh the hearts of all in liis Viands, spared my life. l"he Indi- 
ans that took me and the bovs marched away, and left me with the others, who led me 
along a little way, and jiermitted a squaw to cut oil' one of my little fingers, and anoth- 
er to strike me severely with a pole. Passing through a large company of Indians, we 
entered tlie lort, where they bound up my finger with plantain leaves, and gave me 
some roasted pompkin to eat. Here there came together a great coinpany that filled 
the wigwam, which was nearly forty feet in leuKlii, where they sung and danced a 
greater part of the night, as many at a time as could stand from one end of the wigwam 
to the other. In this manner they danced round their fires. They often invited me to 
dance; but I refused from time to time. However, they pulled me up, and I went 
around once with them. Next day they came together again with their scalps, which 
they presented their sipiaws. One of them then took me by the hand, and, after a 
lengthy speech, gave me to an old sipiaw, who took me into another wigwam. Here, 
alter a little crying and whimpering, she made me put off my Indian stockings and my 
blanket, and gave me others; and she warmed some waler. and washed the red paint 
and grease from my face and hands. There was another f.imily lived in the same wig- 
wam. An English woman, who belonge^l to one of the French nuns, came in, and 
told me I need not fear, for I was given to this squaw in lieu of one of her sons, whom 
the English had slain ; and that I was to be master of the wigwam ; — but she being a 
papist, I placed little reliance on her assertions. The old squaw was very kind to me. 
I staid here about two weeks; ami then went to another tort about eighteen miles dis- 
tant. While I was there, the Indians brought an English lad, whom they had taken 
at Quabog, whose name was John Willet. He was very glad to see me; and 1 tarried 



APPENDIX. 333 

with him about a fortnight, when I returned to the fort from whence I came. The 
poor boy was sensibly atfected at my departure, ami was very lotli to part \^■ith me; 
but 1 spalie as comfortably to liim as I could, and told him that he should hope and 
trust in God for deliverance; for he was able to keep us, and return us again to our 
homes. I bade him farewell, and told him 1 hoped we should see each other in happi- 
ness in another world. 

• After I had been a short time at the other fort, there was brought in by the Indians 
an Englishman, named Martin Kelcock. who lived in the same wig\vam with me. I 
found him of great benefit to me, as he understood and could well explain their lan- 
guage. He had been taken by them some years previous; but escaped, and was after- 
wards re-taken. We lived together till February; but we endured much from the 
severity of the weather, being poorly clad, and destitute of proper food. They would 
sometimes soak corn, and break it between two stones; then boil it with the flesh of 
beaver — sometimes with the inwards of cattle obtained from the French; and fre- 
quently they would kill a dog, and cut and boil the flesh with squatted corn ; of which 
they would make a feast. They had a meeting-house in the fort, and a French priest: 
they made me attend their meeting at times ; but I could understand nothing that was 
said. 

' Sometime in February after I was taken, I went to live with the French. The man 
■with whom I resided they called Jlr. Delude : he was a captain, and a rich man. He 
being incapable of walking, by reason of a gout sore, it was allotted to a Frenchman 
and myself to attend upon him. At times of leisure, I wrought at shoe-making. I 
lived here about fifteen months, during which time I fared well for food. I had a great 
deal of talk on the subject of religion, and the different modes of worship. ]\Iv mistress 
used to ask .me why I did not attend meeting. I answered, that I could not understand 
what they said. She said she could not. I asked her what she went for. She an- 
swered, to say her prayers. I asked her why she could not understand them. She 
said, because they speak in Latin. For what they say the most in Latin, I do not 
know. The mass commences the services ; after which they attend to praying, reading 
and singing; the priest receiving the sermon with abundance of bowing and kneeling. 
The altar is built up in the meeting-house, and makes a fine appearance; at one end of 
which they have a small cupboard, where they keep their sacramental bread and wine. 
^Vhile the mass is saying, their bread is ibrnred into little wafers about the size of our 
copper pence. They then put one of them into a thing about the bigness of the palm 
of the hand, which has a handle, and is covered with a glass. When they say mass, 
the jinest lakes this out of the altar, and turns around, making a sign of a cross to the 
pL'ople, who all fall upon their knees and say their prayers. The priest tells the people 
that this bread or water is Christ's body — flesh, blood and bone, after it is consecrated. 
Hence they worship it as much as if Christ came bodily among them. The priest, 
when he says mass, has two boys, one on his right hand and the other on his left; one 
of them rings a bell when the priest is going to lake that which they call Christ, to 
give notice of his approach. 

' They were very civil to me, not compelling me to kneel. On my coming to reside 
with the French, Ivir. JNIeriel, a French priest, came and brought me an English bible. 
As I sal at shoe-making, he came and sat down beside me, and questioned me concern- 
ing my health, and whether I had been to their meetings. I told him I had not. On 
his asking the cause, I answered (as 1 had done before) that I could not understand 
what they said. He said he wished to have me come and witness their carryings on. 
I told him it was not worth my while. But he was very earnest that I should come to 
his meeting; and advised me to try all things, holding fast lliat which is good. Who 
knows (said he) but that God hath sent you here to know the true way of worship. I 
told him I believed ours was the right way. Says he, we hold to nothing but what we 
can prove by your own bible. After considerable conversation, I told him I did not 
know but that I should come to their meeting, and see how they carried on ; which af- 
ter a little while I did. Now in their meeting-house there stood a large stone pot of 
their holy water; into which every one that came in dipped their finger, making a sign 
of a cross, putting their fingers first to their foreheads, then to their stomachs, after- 
wards to their left shoulder, and then to their right shoulder, saying, 'Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost — amen;' and kneeling down, they say a short prayer to themselves. 
They have pulpits in their houses for public worship; in which the priests sometimes 
preach. After a short time, the priest came again to visit me, and asked me how I liked 
their manner of worship. I told him it seemed strange to me. He said this was gen- 
erally the case at first, but after a while it would appear otherwise. I told him he had 
said that be would hold to no doctrine but what he could prove by the bible: what 
proof (said I) have you of such a place as Purgatory, or a middle place for departing 
souls ? He said in Luke xvi. 22 — And he died, and was carried by angels into Abra- 
ham's bosom. I said I supposed Abraham had gone to heaven. I asked him what was 



334 APPENDIX. 

(lone ill Pnrgafoiy. Ho said they tarried there awhile to be purged from tlieir sins, and 
afterwards go to heaven. I told him, it was appointed unto men once to die, and after 
death is the judgment, Hebrews ix. 27; and in Eccl. xi. ,3 — If the tree falls towards the 
south or towards the north, in the place where the tree falls there it shall lie; — and 
that I believed as death leaves us so judgment will find us. He said there were some 
little sins which were not unto death, if not repented of; and that there weie some lit- 
tle sinners; and asked if I thought all should tare alike. I said all willful sins were 
unto death, if not repented of; and that I believed there were different degrees of tor- 
ments. I told him I understood that they prayed to angels and saints, and asked him 
■what scripture authority they had for that. He said nature and reason would teach us 
to do so; lor, saiil he, had you any great business with the king, you would get some 
great man to speak for you. I said the cases were not similar, for we are invited to 
come to Christ. Hebrews iv. Ifi — Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We are forbidden to 
pray to saints and angels, or to give divine worship to any creature. In Rev. xxii. 2 
and 9, John was forbidden to fall down and worship before the feet of the angels. It is 
said of Cornelius, Acts x. 2, He prayed to God always; and if he prayed to God always, 
he did not pray to saints. 

'I set out on my return from captivity on Sunday, October fifth, 1712. We went 
from Chamblee on the ninth of the same month, and came to Albany on the twentieth, 
where we tarried seven days, and two at Kiiiderhook, which v\'as one day's march tVom 
Albany. We were two days in travelling from Kiiiderhook to Westfield; from thence 
to Springfield one day. From Springfield to Quabog one day — from Quabog to Marlbo- 
rough one day, and from Marlborough to Boston one day. My arrival at Boston was 
on the fourth of November. Here I tarried four days ; and came to Newbury the eighth 
of November, 1712 — after a captivity of four years, two mouths and nine days.' 

After his return the srcncral cotirt ordered that 'the sum of twenty 
pounds and liftecn shilUngs be allowed and paid to Joseph Barllctt in 
full of his petition of charges and expences to obtain his liberty frotn 
the Indians, being taken prisoner by the Indians at Haverhill, when in 
her majesties' service in the year 1708, and for his support during four 
years' captivity and for the loss of his anus.' 

In this attack on Haverhill, sixteen inhabitants of that place were 
killed, and some others, not inhabitants. The reverend John Pike in 
his jonrnal says ' that many soldiers belonging to Salem were slaiu.' 
On the general court records I find the following : 

' Kovemhrr rirf, 170S. Resolved that the sum of five pounds be allowed and paid out 
of the publick treasury to the petitioner, Mrs. Sarah Coffin, on account of the remark- 
able forwardness and courage, which her husband, William Coffin of Salem, distin- 
guished himself by, in the action at Haverhill where he was slain.' 

The reverend Eenjamin Rolfc, pastor of the church in Haverhill, 
who with Viis wife and one child was slain on that eventful day, was a 
native of Newbury. For a more particular account of him see list of 
graduates. 



H. Pa -f 211. 

In selecting and arranging the materials, used in the preceding 
compilation, I soon discovered that a more extended account of the 
transactions in 'ould Newberry,' concerning slavery, than the brief 
notices I could conveniently give in the annals, would be necessary. I 
have therefore thought proper to insert in this note an abstract of such 
facts, as would be deemed appropriate and interesting. Justice to our 
forefathers retjnires that the lights and shades of their character on this 
subject, as well as all others, shoidd be given as accurately as possible, 



APPENDIX. 335 

and to omit all allusion to any of their marked peculiarities, would lead 
to erroneous conclusions, and do both them, and their posterity injustice. 
A ' suppressio veri ' is in fact a ' suirgestio falsi,' or, in the langiia£;e of 
Cicero, 'nam, qui nescit, priniani esse historia; legem, ne quid /a/i« dicere 
audeat, ne quid vcri non audcat, ne qua suspicio gratia sit in scribendo.' 
Slaves, we know, were introduced into Virginia in ICiL'O, and into 
Massachusetts in a very few years after its settlement, but the number 
was very small. In the ' Body of Liberties, composed by [the reve- 
rend] Nathaniel Ward of Ipswich, author of the Simple Cobbler of 
Agawam, and adopted by the Colony of Massachusetts in 1G41, which 
was the first Code of Laws established in New England,' I find the 
following : 

'There shall never be any bond slaverie, villinage or captivitie amongst us unles it 
be lawful! captives taken in just vvarres, and such sti'ana;ers as willingly seile themselves, 
or are sold to us. And these shall have all the liberties and christian usages, which 
the law of God established in Israeli concerning such persons doeth morally require. 
This exempts none from servitude, who shall be judged thereto by authoritie.' ♦ 

' If any man stealeth a man or mankinde he shall surely be put to death.' Ex. 21 : IG. 

In 1646, in consequence of transactions on the coast of Guinea, by 
one James Smith, a member of the church of Boston, who brought 
home two negroes, and was the means of killing near one hundred 
more, the general court passed the following order, nanrely ; 

' The general court conceiving themselves bound by the first opportunity to bear 
■witness against the heinous, and crying sin of man stealing, as also to prescribe such 
timely redress for what is past, and such a law for the future, as may sufficiently deter 
all others belonging to us to have to do in such vile and odious courses, justly abhorred 
of all good and just men, do order that the negro interpreter with others unlawfully 
taken, be by the tirst opportunity at the charge of the country for the present, sent to 
his native country (Guinea) and a letter with him of the indignation of the court 
thereabouts, and justice thereof desiring our honoured governor would please put this 
order in execution.' 

Among the papers on file in the court records, I find the following 
petition. It is also printed in Savage's Winthro]i, vol. 2, page 379-80. 
Though not relating to Newbury, it is worth inserting here. 

'To the honored general court. 

' The oath I took this yeare att my enterance upon the place of assistante was to this 
effect ; That I would truly endeavour the advancement of the gospell and the good of 
the people of this plantation (to the best of my skill) dispencing justice equally and 
impartially (according to the laws of God and this land) in all cases wherein 1 act by 
virtue of my place. I conceive myself called by virtue of my place to act (according 
to this oath) in the case concerning the negers taken by captain Smith and Ulr. Keser; 
"wherein it is apparent that JMr. Keser gave chace to certaine negers; and upon the 
same day tooke divers of them ; and at another time killed others ; and burned one of 
their townes. Omitting several misdemeanours, which accompanied these acts above- 
mentioned, I conceive the acts themselves to bee directly contrary to these following 
laws (all of which are capitall by the word of God ; and two of them by the lawes of 
this jurisdiction.) 

' The act (or acts) of murder (whether by force or fraude) are expressly contrary 
both to the law of God, and the law of this country. 

' The act of stealing negers, or of taking them by force (whether it be considered 
as theft, or robbery) is (as I conceive) expressly contrary, both to the law of God, and 
the law of this country. 

• See ' Remarks on the Early Laws of Mrissarliusetls Ray : witli the Code adopted in 1G41 and 
called the BODY OF LIUERTIKS now first primed By T. C. Gray, LL. D. A. A. S. b. U. S.' 
in vol. Vlll. Uiird scries of lUc IXisiorical Society's collections. lSi3. 



336 APPENDIX. 

T/if act of charciiig the vrgcrs {as aforcsayilc) upon Ihc sabbalh Jay {bcin;; a servile worke 
and such as cannot be considered under any other heade) is expressly rapitall by the law of God. 

These acts ami outrages being committed where there was noe civill government, 
which might call them to accompt, anJ the persons, by whom they were committed 
beeing of our juiisdiction, I conceive this court to bee the ministers of God in this 
case, and therefore my humble request is that the severall otFenders may be imprisoned 
by the order of this court, and brought into their deserved censure in convenient time ; 
and this 1 humbly crave that soe the sinn they have committed may be upon their 
own heads, and not upon ourselves {as otherwise it will.) 

Yrs in all christean observance, 

Richard Salto.nst.vll,' 

' The house of deputs thinke meete that this petition shall be granted, and desire our 
honnored magistrals concurrance herein. 

Edward Rawson.' 

From a letter addressed by governor ' Simon Bradstreet 18 May 
1680 to the lords of his majestie's privy coaucill, containing 'answers 
to their inquiries,' ' I extract the following : 

' There hath been no company of blacks or slaves brought into the country since the 
beginning of this plantation, for the space of fifty yeares, onely one small vessel! about 
two yeares since after twenty months' voyage to Madagasca brought hither betwixt 
forty and filly negro's, most women and children, sold here for ten, fifteen and twenty 
pounds apiece, which stood the merchants in neer forty pounds apiece one with 
another: now and then, two or three negro's are brought hither from Barbados and 
other of his majestiess' plantations, and sold here for about twenty pounds apiece, so 
that there may bee within our government about one hundred or one hundred and 
twenty, and it may be as many Scots brought hither and sold for servants in the time 
of the war with Scotland, and most now married and living here, and about halfe so 
many Irish brought hither at several times as servants.' 

From these extracts it appears that slaves, though not numerous in 
Massachusetts, were, notwithstanding the law, introduced without 
difficulty, and bought and sold without scruple, by all classes of people. 

At how early a period, and in what numbers, slaves, either African 
or Indian, were introduced into IS'ewbuiy, no record informs me, but I 
have reason to believe that, prior to 1700, the number was small, al- 
though a large proportion of the wealthy families had one or more. 
This is ascertained by reference to their wills, inventories, and so 
forth. Thus in the inventory of captain Paul White, 1679, I find, 
' one ncgrow = ,£30.' 

In the will of Henry .Taques, dated 1687, I find this sentence : 'my 
will is that whereas Jasper, my Indian, hath been a good servant to 
me my will is that he shall serve my executor faithfully after my de- 
cease six years and then he shall be free.' 

In the inventory of Richard Dunmier's estate, I find, ' a negro = £60.' 
In Richard Dole's will, 1698, he gives to one of his children, 'my great 
bible, fowling piece, musket, and also my negro boy Tom.' To son 
William, 'negro boy Mingo,' to daughter Hannah, 'my negro maid 
named Lucy.' ' My negro Grace shall have her freedom, if she will 
accept of it' ' My negro servant Betty shall serve two years, and then 
she shall be free.' 

In 1702, Samuel riumcr, ferryman, gives freedom to his Indian 
servant Kate. 

Many of the slaves in Massachusetts were Indians imyiorted froin the 
south. Thus, in 1708, ' Thomas Steel sells to John Farnum of Boston 
for thirty-live pounds an Indian boy called Harry, imported into the 



APPENDIX. 337 

province from South Carolina.' In 1725, Theophiliis Cotton, of 
Hampton, deeds to Jonathan Poore, of Newbury, ' all that my Indian 
boy Sippai.aged about sixteen.' As early as 1G19, December twenty- 
ninth, "William Hilton, of Newbury, ' sells to George Carr for one 
quarter part of a vessel, James my Indian with all the interest I have 
in him to be his seixant forever.' 

The following receipt, in the hand- writing of Stephen Jaques, I give 
verbatim. 

' Reseveil of Richard Kelly of Newbry the sum of thorty fiayght pound in full mony 
for a Spanish Ingun boy nemed sesor, by our judgnnent under ten eyr old in the eyr of 
1714, leseved by me this day of ienry, being the fifteenth of ienry, 171S, I say by me. 

Cutting Noyes.' 

In 1716, Rice Edwards, of Newbury, shipwright, sells to Edmund 
Greenleaf ' ray whole personal estate with all my goods and chattels 
as also Mw negro man, one cow, three pigs with timber, plank and boards.' 

'November ilh, 1725. I, the subscriber do one and acknowledge that I have sold to 
Mr. Richard Kelly a nagrovv man. caled Reuben, for which I have received an hundred 
pounds in bills of credit,' and so forth. -JoK.iTHAri Poore.' 

In the honorable Nathaniel Coffin's account book, I find the following : 

' 1731. An account of some things my son Edmund had of me. 

' Paid for his learning, and his books and his medicine, £70 

To Jark, a iiegro inan, 50 

To 8 sheep, 2 hogsheads of Ume, a half bushel of oatmeal, and 29 lb. of 

flax, 12 18s.' 

In 1738, Ezekiel Chase sells and delivers to John INIerrill, for forty 
pounds, ' my negro boy named Titus about one year and a half old 
(hn-ing his natural life.' 

In the settlement of colonel Joseph Coffin's estate, I find the following, 
namely : 

' 1771, Nov. 27. Daughter Sarah, Dr. 

To part of negro girl Lucy, i;45, old tenor. 

1771, Abu. 27. Daughter Susanna, Dr. 

To part of negro girl Lucy, £45, old tenor.' 

In March, 1739, William Johnson, shipwright, gave, granted, bargained 
and sold for thirty-five pounds, ' to Moses Titcomb to his heirs and 
assigns forever a certain negro-man called by the name of Cambridge 
of the age of about twenty-one years — and that the said Moses Tit- 
comb, his heirs, executors, and administrators shall by virtue of this 
deed have, hould, use and improve said negro man Cambridge during 
the whole term of his natural life,' and so forth. 

These deeds were sometimes of great length, and written with as 
much formality and minuteness as the deeds to an estate worth a million 
of money, and, with few exceptions, all classes of jjeople, merchants, 
farmers, mechanics, professors of religion, and ministers of the gospel, 
bought and sold slaves, apparently without the slightest idea of the 
enormity of the sin, and on the same principle that they would pm-rhase 
a horse, a sheep, or a piece of land. They thus necessarily sanctioned 
the slave trade, and all its unspeakable abominatious. 

43 



338 APPENDIX. 

The reverend Matthias Plant, in his diaiy, June twenty-second, 1735, 
says, ' I wrote to Mr. Sahiion of Barljadoes to send me a negro.' 
About the year 16 ,1 find the following : 

' A count of dc'fs from ye town to saveral parsons.' 

' Serj. Jacol) Tapin to driving sheep one day.' 

' And to timber for ye high way.' 

' Alial Marel a two year bull.' 

^ James Onitraij for his negro being lost.^ 

' Mr. William iloulton a two year old bull.' 

This state of things was not always to last. As early as IMay twenty- 
sixth, 1701, the 'representatives were desired to promote the encouraging 
the bringing of white servants and to put a period to negroes being 
slaves.' 

About 1710, judge Sewall wrote and published a tract against slavery, 
entitled, 'the selling of Joseph.' In 1716, he says in his diary, ' I essayed 
to prevent negroes and Indians being rated with horses and cattle, but 
could not succeed.' A few years after this, Elihu Coleman, of Nan- 
tucket, wrote and puljlished a tract against slavery. Excepting these 
two persons, there ajipears to have been no public advocate for the slave 
in Massachusetts, till a short time prior to the revolution. Then an 
examination of their own rights induced Inmdreds to examine the 
subject of slavery, who could not avoid seeing and feeling the gross 
inconsistency of contending for their own liberty, while at the same 
time they were holding thousands in abject bondage. It became 
everywhere a subject of discussion. Many essays appeared in the 
public papers, in favor of emancipation. In 17G5, the celebrated 
Granville Sliarpe, of England, espoused the cause of the Africans 
with great zeal, and, through his instrumentality, it was decided in 
1772, that the moment a slave touched the soil of England, that moment 
he was free. 

In 176G, the controversy concerning slavery in Massachusetts began, 
and in 1767, an attempt was made in the legislature to abolish the 
slave trade. A bill was brought into the house of representatives ' to 
prevent the unnatural and unwarrantable custom of enslaving mankind 
and the importation of slaves into this province,' but the council, then 
the upper house, non-concurring, it failed. On March second, 1769, 
the reverend Samuel Webster, of Salisbury, Massachusetts, ])ublishcd 
' an earnest address to my country on slavery.' I give an extract. 

* Now keep your eye upon the Christian Inir of Inir, or ujion the gohh'n r-ulc in their 
most plain and obvious sense (after all possible limififlions and except ionx. irltirh do not 
absniiileh/ (iesiroy them} and reconcile common slavery therewith and I will undertake to 
reconcile light with darkness, and Christ with Belial. Let a 7nan love his neigiibonr and 
do as he would be done bit, and if he makes a slave n]ion this plan, I will venture to be 
his slave forever. I fear, I greatly fear that it is want of hnncsly more than want 
of litrht, which continues it in the world. This is too plain a case lor men always to 
deceive themselves in. I must believe that most, who desire to see, ean here see what 
is right, and do see and feel, if they have any uuderstandini;, and any bowels and mer- 
cies. What then is to be done? Done! lor God's sake break every yoke and let these 
oyiiires^od e^ues go free vilhont delay — let them taste the sweets olMhat //^)rr/y, which 
■we so highly prize, and are so earnestly supplicating God and man to grant us: nay, 
which we claim as the natural right oi^ every man. Let me beseech my countrymen 
to put on bowels of compassion for these their brethren (for so I must call them,) yea, 
let me beseech you for your own sake and for God's sake, to break every yoke and let 
the oppressed go free.' 



APPENDIX. 339 

In 1770, James, a servant of riiclmrd Lcchmerc, of Cambridge, 
brought an action against his master for detaining him in bondage, 
which was decided in favor of the lUaintiff' In all subsequent suits of 
the same nature, ' the juries invariably gave tlieir verdict in favor of 
hberty,' and so great was the change in public oi)inion, in consequence 
of the exertions of those who were favorable to emancipation, lliat in 
seven years slavery was abolished in six of the then thirteen colonies ; 
namely, Vermont, in 1777, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, in 1780, 
New Hampshire, in 17b3, Connecticut and Rhode Island, in 1784. 
The society of friends was the first religious body that took up the 
subject, and so efficiently did they act, that in 1787 not a single ac- 
knowledged member of the society was the owner of a slave. 

At the annual commencement at Cambridge, July 21, 1773, a foren- 
sic disputation 'on the legality of enslaving the Africans,' was held by 
two candidates for the bachelor's degree ; namely, Theodore Parsons 
and Eliphalet Pearson, both of whom were natives of Newbury. This 
was published the same year, in a pamphlet of forty-eight pages. The 
question was, ' wlietJter the sJaven/, to which Africans are in tins 'province, 
by the permission of laiu, st/lijccted, lie agreeable to the law of iiatHre.' 

In October of 1773, an action was brought against Ptichard Green- 
leaf, of Newbuiyport, by Ca'sar [Ilendrick,] a colored man, whom he 
claimed as his slave, for holding him in bondage. He laid the damages 
at fifty jiounds. The counsel for the plaintiff", in whose favor the jury 
brought in their verdict and awarded him eighteen pounds damages 
and costs, was John Lowell, esquire, afterward judge Lowell. This 
case excited much interest, as it was the first, if not the only one of 
the kind, that ever occurred in the county. 

In this same year, another attempt was made in Massachusetts to 
prohibit the slave trade. In January, 1774, a bill for that purpose 
passed both houses, but the governor, (Hutchinson,) refused his assent. 
' His instructions,' he said, ' forbad.' Governor Gage refused for the 
same reason. On this important subject the people of Blassachusetts 
were not idle. The puljiit and the press were not silent, and sermons 
and essays in behalf of the enslaved Africans were continually making 
their appearance. Of this class of writers, no one entered more deep- 
ly into the cause of the suffering and the dumb, and displayed more 
zeal and ability than deacon Benjamin Colman, of Newbury. He 
wrote, and talked, and prayed on the subject, was instant in season 
and out of season, and it is owing to the exertions of such men, that 
public opinion was so soon prepared for a general emancipation, which 
was virtually done at the adoption of the constitution of Massachusetts, 
in 1780. 

His first essay that I hav^e seen, was published July twentieth, 1774, 
in the Essex Journal, of Newburyport, and contains two columns, from 
which I take the following extract. 

' I pray that -we may refrain at present from any bitter reflection on the British min- 
i.«try anil search among ourselves and see if we cannot tinil an Achan, an accursed 
thing, that is the troubler of our land and lor which God is at lliis day contending with 
ns. Among the innumerable evils, that aljound among us I looli upon the oiipression, 
bondage and slavery e.\ercised upon our poor liretliren the Africans to be a (lod-provo- 
king and a wrath-procuring sin. I call them brethren because God has told us so in 
his word that he has made of one blood all nations, that dwell on the earth. They are 
as free by nature as we, or any other people have a natural right to liberty and freedom 
as much as we and it is only by power and tyranny that ihey are brought and kept un- 



340 APPENDIX. 

der this cruel yoke of boriitage and this iniquity is established by law in this province 
and although there have been some leeble attempts made to break the yoke and set 
them at liberty yet the thing is not elFecled. but they are still kept under the cruel yoke 
of bondage. 

'Shall we, myfathers and brethren, or can we lift up our faces with confidence before 
God, by solemn prayer, that he would remove the yoke of bondage fiom us and set us 
at liberty from the bondage that lays upon us, while we keep a tenfold heavier yoke on 
the necks of our lucthren, the negroes'? I confess Iblush, when I hear of a proposal for a 
provincial fast (although I am as desirous of it as others) when I read the fil'ly-eighth 
chapter of Isaiah, where the people are represented as keeping days of fasting and 
prayer and yet obtained no gracious answer from God. 1 do not say that our grievan- 
ces will not he redressed until we break the yoke of bondage from our negroes' necks, 
but I must needs say I do not expect it. But that we, all as one, may be enabled to 
search out and put away every thing from among us whereby God is dishonored and 
otfended, to break every yoke of oppression, so that he might cause hght to rise in 
obscurity, is I trust the prayer of every friend to New England. B. C 

On June fifth, 1771, two discourses on liberty were delivered at the 
North cliurc'h in Newbnryiiort, by Nathaniel Niles, M. A., an able and 
zealous advocate for enianci[)ation. These discourses were printed in 
a ]iam[ihlet of thirty-eight jiagcs, and are written with great ability. 
In his preface, the aitthor says that ' his general design is to awaken in 
his countrymen proper sentiments and emotions respecting both civil 
and religious liberty. The former without the latter is but a body 
without a soul.' His texts were from 1 Corinthians, chapter 7, verse 
21, and John, 8 chapter, verse 36. From the sermon on civil or jierson- 
al liberty I take the following extract. 

' We have boasted of our liberty and free spirit. A free spirit is no more inclined to 
enslave others than ourselves. If then it should be found upon examination that we 
have been of a tyrannical spirit in a free country, how base must our character appear! 
And how many thousands of thousands have been plunged into death and slavery by 
our means I 

' When the servant had nothing to pay, and his master had frankly forgiven him all, 
and he had gone and cast his fellow servant into prison, there to remain till he should 
pay the last farlhius;; the master justly punished his ingratitude and severity with the 
like imprisonment, llath not our conduct very nearly resembled the conduct of that 
servant? God gave us liberty and we have enslaved our fellow men. May we not 
fear that the law of retaliation is about to be executed on us^ What can we object 
against it ? What excuse can we make for our conduct? What reason can we urge 
why our oppression shall not be relumed in kind ? Should the Africans see God Al- 
mighty subjecting us to all the evils we have brought on them, and should they cry to 
us, daughter of America, who art to be destroyed, happy shall he be that rewardeth 
thee as thou hast served us; happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones 
against the stones ; how could we object ? How could we rfesent it ? Would we enjoy 
liberty'? Then we must grant it to others. For shame, let us either cease to enslave 
our fellow men, or else let us cea.se to complain of those, that would enslave us. Let 
us either wash our hands fionr blood, or never hope to escape the avenger.' 

In the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet of March eighth, 
177G, I find the following letter, addressed to , and was 'in- 
serted by desire of some of the customers' of the paper. 

' AWiKci/, September 16(/i, 1775. 
' Dear sir, 

' As the judgments of G'od are a great deep, and the footsteps, or designs of hia 
providence are not fully known to us, so I think it becomes us to study sobriety. an<l 
fear in the application of the same. But when the Lord doth so clearly reveal himself, 
and shew Ibrth such an evident resemblance between men's sin and their stroke of 
correction as he doth at this day; I think it cryeth aloud for a serious observing thereof. 
And I beg leave to say that the calamitous distressed circumstances we are in at this 
day. in my ai")pre!ieii*;ion, do bear such a resemblance with onr notorious crime, that be 
that runs may read ; I mean the oppression of our brethren the negroes j a crime so 



A P r E N D I X . 341 

miscrijitiiral and unreasonable thai I should be ready to think that every rational person, 
and especially every christian American would detest the thought of keeping tbeir 
brethren in bondage ; especially when they themselves are struggling for liberty, and 
deliverance from oppression brought upon them by their brethren. But such is the 
infatuation, with which this idol god, gain, has overcome this people; that although 
we unitedly say. we will spill our blood, and lose our lives in the defence of liberty j 
yet we don't grant it to those poor oppressed brethren of ours, who have been under 
the yoke of slavery (themselves and their ancestors) this one hundred years past; 
think sir, if you please, how inconsistent your practice' is with your profession, how 
long halt you between two opinions, if oppression and slavery be right, why do you 
fight against it ? but, if it be wrong why do you allow of it ? — Happy is he saith the 
apostle Paul that condemnelli not himself in that thing which he alloweth Rom. 14, 
22. But here I must make an apology, for I write not to you sir, as an individual that 
approves of, or practices this detestable crime yourself, for I never heard you did either; 
but 1 write to you as a member of our honoral)le general court, by w'hom this idolatry 
should be thrown down, and a reformation take place by the authority of that legislative 
power. I call it idolatry because covetousness which is at the bottom of it, and by 
which it is maintained, is idolatry; so says the apostle I'aul, Coll. 3. 5. mortify your 
members, your members which are upon the earth, fornication, and so forth and so 
forth and covetousness which is idolatry. Here I would say the covetous man does 
not believe his money to be God: but by his inordinate love of it. and trusting in it, 
he is as truly guilty of idolatry as if he bow'd his knee to it; for God more regards the 
internal acts of the mind, than he doth the cvlernal acts of the body. In like manner 
the idolatrous papists do not believe the saints ami angels to be gods, but by praying to 
them, and trusting in them for relief and help, they give them the inw^ard worship of 
the soul, which is idolatry. As to what any man may say in vindication of slavery, 
upon that text in Leviticus 2S, 4.'). 40, you may buy of the children of the strangers, 
anil so forth — I refer you to what I have published in the Newbury-Port paper in July 
1774. upon that subject for an answer. But to go on sir, some ignorant persons may be 
ready to object and say these negroes are men's private property, their masters have 
bouglit them with their money, and such men traders may think it would be wrong for 
the general court to deprive them of their property; this is taking men's estates from 
tliem. say they; — good God! w-hat do such men mean ? to talk of private property in 
tlie human species, creatures made in the image of God and endowed, with all the 
rational faculties and immortal principles as we are, and diH'ering in nothing from us 
except in color and education, to call such people, men and women private property, 
shocking indeed to a human mind! What if I had bought you sir. of some person that 
pretended a right to sell you, and had paid a large sum of money for you, and kept you 
still in slavery and bondage, and should plead the authority of the general court, and 
the common and constant custom of the people in behalf of my conduct towards you, 
would you not be ready to curse that body that maintained such a law, or indulged one 
man to act so unreasonably towards another ( — Matthew 7, 12. Therefore all things 
whatsoever ye would that men do unto you, do ye even so them. I must need say I 
wonder, notwithstanding all the prejudices people labour under through long custom, 
and a gainful practice in this man trade, that their eyes are not opened so as to lay it 
aside, especially when God in his providence so plainly testifies against it as he does 
at this day. Will not Joseph's brethren (Gen. 42, 21.) rise up in judgment against us, 
who when they were brought into distressing circumstances, humbly confessed, 'we 
are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when 
he besought us. and we would not hear, therefore is this distress come upon us.' Will 
not Adonibezek (recorded judges 17,) rise up in judgment and condemn us'; who said 
' threescore and ten kings having their thumbs and great toes cut off, gathered their 
meat under my table, as I have done so God hath requited me.' Shall heathens, and 
such as never "had the advantages that we have had, see and generously acknowledge 
their sins against God and their fellow creatures, (for sin is the cause of natural as well 
as moral evil) and shall we who have the clear light of the gospel refuse to confess 
ours '! God forbid ! let us bethink ourselves, let's attend to the groans of these enslaved 
people; I doubt not but their complaints have reached Heaven, and whatever others 
think, I believe God is coming down to deliver them. Woe to us if we withhold them 
when God challenges them as his. But methinks I hear .some say, we believe the 
British troops are near taking their departure, and then we hope to live in peace and 
safety, and to possess and enjoy as we did l)efore they came. But stop my friends, 
your rejoycing; — God's arm is strong, he has many arrows in his quiver; if the con- 
troversy between him and us be not taken up, we have reason still to fear, for he has 
his choice of all his manifold judgments, to punish a stubborn incorrigible people by. 
Did the Almighty bring ten dreadful plagues upon Kgypt betbie Pharaoh would let his 
slaves go'! witness the consequence. Did he also punish the children of Israel with 



342 APPENDIX. 

seventy years cnptivity in Babylon, to cure them of their idolatry? and did he ever 
take up his rod of correction, and exercise it upon any people, and lay it down without 
accomjilishing his tlesiirn? And will he now think you, let us yo till he has brought 
us to his terms 1 His commands and demands are plain in the 5Sth chapter of Isaiah, 
viz. loose the bands of w-ickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, 
and break every yoak, &c. To which the gracious promise is connected, viz. then shall 
ye call, and the Lord shall answer, thou shall cry, and he shall say here am I. Has 
not our great Superintendant permitted a tbrmidablo host to come against us, with all 
their dreadful artillery of war ' Has he not at the same time made our army a defence 
to us, and a terror to our ejiemles, and withheld the sword from going thro' the land ? 
I'm persuaded sir, you are ready to ascribe our preservations and salvations to the most 
High. Shall not the merciful interpositions of Providence e.xcite in us gratitude to 
Goti, our kind preserver; hut, let us at the same time search and see w'herelbie he thus 
conlentleth with ns. And here the divine vvord is plain Ibrour conviction, viz. Revela- 
tions 1.3, 10, He lliat leadeth into captivity shall ko into captivity, he that killethwith 
the sword must be killed with the sword.* God is mercifully at present holding back 
the sword from going through the Land, and waiting to see what we will do ; he seems 
unwilling to execute judgnrent on us. Pray let us return to him, for if we do not 
speedily put away the violence that is in our hands and let the oppressed go free, I 
dread the next stroke. The poor oppressed negroes are waiting with wishful e.vpecta- 
tions that the Alniiglity in this day of our calamity will open our eyes and set them 
at liberty. God grant it may be so lor his name's sake and for this land's sake. 

' But, sir, you may be readily too hastily to conclude from this writing that my mind 
is so fastened upon the slave trade, as if it were the only crime that we were charge- 
able with, or that God was chastening us for. As I have said before, so say I again, 
our transgressions are multiplied but yet this crime is more particularly pointed at 
tlian any other. Was Boston the tirst port on this continent that began the slave trade, 
and are they not the first shut up by an oppressive act, and brought almost to desola- 
tion, wherefore, sir, tho' we may not be peremptory in applying the judgments of God, 
yet I cannot pass over such providences without a remark. But to conclude. I entreat 
and beseech you by all the love you have for this town, by all the regard you have for 
this distressed, bleeding province, as for the American colonies in general, that you 
exert yourself, and improve your utmost endeavours at the court to obtain a discharge 
for the slaves from their bondage. If this was done, 1 should expect speedy deliverance 
to arise to us, but if this oppression is still continued and maintained by authority, 1 
can only say, my soul shall weep in secret places for that crime. 

' I am. Sir, your friend and humble servant, 

Benjamin Colman.' 

In tlio rccofJs of tlie ohim'h nt Byftcld, tlierc is a long account of a 
coatroversy between the reverend Aloses Parsons and deacon Benjtx- 
min Colman, on the subject of slavery. From this account it apjiears 
that on tlie twenty-first of December, 17^0, a chttrch meeting was 
held to hear the charges made agaiitst Mr Cohiian by Mr. Parsons, 
and the coin|jlaint of Mr. Colman against Mr. Parsons. The articles 
of charge were three : first, ' tliat Mr. Parsons was guilty of the wicked 
practice of man-stealing,' second, ' that deacon Colman had repeatedly 
calletl him a thief,' and third, 'that he had oflcred to soil [ Violet ( his 
slave, (as he called her) for a large sum of money.' 

In subsequent meetings, held January twenty-ninth, February 
twelfth, and March twelfth, 1781, the church sustained the pastor, and 
at the last meeting, suspended deacon Colman 'from the fellowship 
and communion of the church till he does by repentance and confession 
give christian satisfaction for the offence he had committed.' July 
tenth, 1782, another attempt was made, and November third, 17S4, a 
council was called, to settle the difficulty, but without success. As 
Mr. Parsons deceased the eleventh of December, 1783, nothing farther 
was done, till tho church had another meeting June thirtieth, 1781. Oa 

* Thus saith the Lord by the Prophet, if ye walk contrary unto me, I also will walk 
contrary unlo you ; with the froward he will shew himself i'roward, and with the up- 
right he will slievv himself upright. 



APPENDIX. 343 

the twenty-sixth of October, 178:3, the deacon was restored to the 
church on his acljnowledgmcut 'that in his treatment of the reverend 
Moses Parsons the late worthy pastor of the church, that he urged his 
arguments against the slavery of the Africans with excessive vehemence 
and asperity without showing a due concern for his character and 
usefulness as an elder, or the peace and edification of the church,' and 
so forth, and so forth. , 

The three following communications are a sufficiently full expression 
of deacon Colman's views on the subject of slavery, and need no 
comment or explanation. 

' The Declaration and Testimony of Benjamin Colman, together with his Complaint 
against the Reverend Moses Passons, pastor of the Church in Bytield is as follows. 

' Viz. That God has a controversy with the people of this I-and I suppose no judi- 
cious person will pretend to deny ; The hloody, dreadful sword of War has been drawn 
against us by our brethren, and has prevailed for more than live years; whereby great 
numbers of our brethren the inhabitants of this Land have been slain, many Towns 
made desolate, the Dwelling places of our people consumed by fire, the Inhabitants, 
many of them., Slaughtered, and others driven away and reduced to extream poverty 
and sore distress. The widows and fatherless are multiplied' amongst us and the hand 
of God lies heavy upon us still. The hand of God is lifted up; the War continues; 
our enemies are powerful and numerous; and they, flushed with their success, are ex- 
pecting shortly to make a compleat conquest of America; and if God don't appear for 
us and stop their progress, we may rationally e.xpect they will conquer our country. 
It is time for us to look about us, to search and try our ways, to consider what we have 
done to provoke our God, to send our unprovoked brethren, and make them his severe 
rod of correction to chastise us in this manner. 

' We have been called upon, by our Continental Congress, to humble our selves be- 
fore God by fasting and prayer, to implore the mercy, and help of our God, that we 
may be delivered out of the hands of our cruel Oppressors. We have observed those 
days set apart for prayer in the manner we have done. But as acts of Justice and 
Righteousness have not been .loined with our humiliations and petitions, it seems the 
Lord has not heard our requests for help. Isaiah 38th, 6th. ' This is the fast that I 
have chosen, to loose the bands of Wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and let the 
oppressed go free, and break ever)' yoke.' When we keep such a fast as he has pre- 
scribed, then we may call and the Lord will answer. Then shall our light rise in Ob- 
scurity; then may we cry and he will say here I am, &c. for the Lord has promised to 
do so;' and his Word stands firmer than heaven and earth. 

' I confess the Continental Congiess have taken one good step towards reformation ; 
as they have come into a resolution not to import any more slaves. But slill the bands 
of Wickedness are not loosed ; many thousands of this poor oppressed people are held 
down under oppression by Tyranny. And as we have come into a partial reformation, 
so the Lord has granted a partial deliverance; but as we have stayed our hand as to a 
thorough reformation, so he has stayed his hand from granting us compleat Deliver- 
ance ; his Word is fulfilled, as he has said, ' with the froward he will shew himself fro- 
ward, and with the upright he will shew himself upright.' And can we wonder that 
God shuts out our prayer, and turns a deaf ear to our cries for help against our foes ^ 
Our Land is defiled with blood, we have slain many of our brethren, in taking and 
captivating them ; and our fingers with iniquity in making merchandise of others: we 
have committed violence upon our brethren ; and violence is still in our hands. We 
have turned a deaf ear to the cries of the oppressed; and this law which supports Op- 
pression reaches through the whole of these United Slalcs. The Slaves in this State 
have petitioned for Liberty and Freedom from bondage, since our Troubles began, in 
the most importunate and humble manner; yet they are not set free in a general way. 
We have taken them, by cruel hands; rending parents from children, and children from 
parents; and, by violence, brought them from their own native country, (the Land that 
their God, and our God, had given them to possess and enjoy,) and subjected them to 
the most abject slavery and bondage. Magistrates, Ministers, and common people have 
had a hand in this Iniquitous Trade. 

' But in order to open people's eyes to see the horridness of this Man-trade, this Op- 
pression and cruelty that has been exercised on our brethren, I beg leave to give a short 
sketch of the way and manner how our people come by these slaves, when they trans- 
port them from their own country. 

' And the account 1 shall give shall be from printed histori«s concemingthe carrying 



344 APPENDIX. 



on of this slave-trade and these historical accounts I have had confirmed by persons 
that have been eye-witnesses to these horrid transactions upon the spot. And it is as 
follows. When a ship of ours arrives in one of their harbours, some of the people 
there come on board the ship, and ask what they want ? They tell them they want a 
carijo of slaves. They ask the master what he has to pay for them? he shews them 
Wine, Brandy, Rum, Clothing, fire arms, and ammunition ; as they carry all such arti- 
cles as they know are most tempting to those people. And when they have agreed 
upon a price, by the head, or poll; they furnish out a company with arms and ammu- 
nition, to go and take a sufficient number of captives to load their ship. So they go 
out into their country, some twenty, some thirty, sometimes more than sixty miles; say 
my authors, till they come to little, defenceless towns and villages Inhabited by these 
poor defenceless people; and (here they take as many, and of such an age as they like; 
others they slaughter without compassion to age or sex. The strong ones they confine 
with Irons: the younger ones they bind with cords; and drive them before them in 
droves to the Sea port; where they have a great Pound built to confine them till the 
Ship is ready to take them. In this situation, say my authors, some are so dismayed, 
at the thoughts of what they are coming to, that they refuse to eat what they feed them 
with ; and choose to die there rather than live such a life as they expect. When their 
keepers perceive them refuse to eat, they sometimes take one, and loiture him, or her 
before the rest; sometimes tliey kill one, and cut him to pieces before their eyes; and 
tell the others they will do so to them, if they will not eat. 

'When the ship is ready they carry them on board with their boats: some try to 
throw themselves overboard and drown, and so forth. Those they get on board they 
thrust into the hold of the ship, fasten them in. and feed them with something to support 
their lives during the passage ; there they lie, in their filth and stench, till the ship 
arrives at her home. 

'Some ships bring one hundred, some one hundred and fifty, and some near two 
hundre<l of these poor people at once. Upon taking them out. they commonly find ten, 
fifteen, or twenty dead in the hold, and often a number ol children born on their passage, 
some dead, and some alive. But this is not all ; there is what they call siasomiig, Xo 
fit these wretched mortals for severe slavery, to be done to them yet ; and their method 
is to feed them with coarse and mean food, a scant allowance, to try and prove their 
constitutions; in this experiment many of them die; so that the merchants that 
import them lay their accounts thus, viz. if six in ten live through their transportation 
and seasoning, they make a saving voyage. And now- they sell these poor people to 
any one that will give them the most money for them. 

' Horrid manstealing ! sordid gain ! violent ojipression and cruelty ! 

' And has this deadful, this horrid practice been supported, or tolerated by the law of 
this land through tlie United States of America for twenty years past 1 and are there 
not many thousands of these wretched mortals, in this land, under the cruel yoke of 
oppression at this day ] What shall we say for ourselves as a people? are not our 
hands defiled with blood? and our fingers with iniquity? and how can we with 
confidence, lift up our prayer, to that God, who is a God of knowledge, and by whom 
actions are weighed, for deliverance from oppression, till we have loosed the bands of 
wickedness, proclaimed liberty to our captives, and let the oppressed go free? do not 
our crimes stare us in the face ? and is not our God rising up out of his holy place, to 
retaliate our doings upon us? is he not laying righteousness to the line, and judgement 
to the plummet ? Three, if not four, of our states are already fallen into the hands of 
our cruel enemies; and we have no reason to expect but that the rest will shortly fall 
a prey to them, if repentance and reformation do n't prevent it. Had we taken these 
slaves captives in a just war with them, we might have had some excuse for our 
doings; but now we have none : for as they never molested us, our sin of oppression is 
aggravated; and God is now rctpiiting blood for blooti, oppression for oppression, 
according to his Word. Revelations i:j, lOlh, he that leadeth into captivity, shall go 
into captivity; he that killeth with the sword, must be killed with the sword. 

' And now, reverend sir, I entreat your candid attention to what I have to offer to you, 
at this time, by way of complaint; the substance of which I have offered to you as 
my grievous complaint for many years in private. And as the.se grievances increase 
upon my inind, and our iniquities of this kind stare us in the face, and as the Lord, by 
his severe corrections, seems to point rlirectly to this our sin of unrighteousness, 
oppression and violence upon our brethren ; I think I may be allow'd to speak my mind 
without giving just cause of offence, to plead the cause of the oppressed, to bear my 
testimony against sin, and to take God's part, in visiting this land with judgements, as 
at this day. And, as I have said before, I look upon this oppression as the cai'ital si.\ 
of these states, as it has been supported by the law of the land. And although I am 
sensible our transgressions are nmltiplied, I think that this sin of oppression and 



APPENDIX. 345 

violence, is more peculiarly pointed at than any other, in the dispensitlions of providence. 
Dut here I woulci first observe, that in applying the judgements of Cod to a person or 
jieoplc, it becomes us to be modest, and cautious; as it may sometimes liappen lo wicked 
men according to the work of the rijhteous. But, on the other hand, it is a sure truth 
that God is known by the judj;eniL'nts he executes; and in every age he doth point out 
sin to the worM, by some remarkable strokes, some great examples of judgements 
wherein men may read their sin in their punishment ; as in the case of Adoni-bezek 
Judges 1st, 7th and Abab 1 Kings u'l, and others. 

' Vou tell us, sir, and 1 think very truly, that God has no unmeaning providences ; 
that judgements tread on the heels of sin ; pray, sir, what meaning do you ani.x lo 
God's designs in bringing this judgement of violent oppression upon us by the hand 
of our bi'ethren. if it be not to convince and humble us for the like violent opjires- 
sion on our brethren ? "When there is so plain, so exact a resemblance, between 
a people's sin and God's judgements, I think it would be an argument of stupidity in 
us not to apply them to our selves. You tell us that unbelief is the Vtiiiining sin under 
the Gospel ; I grant the truth of'it ; but pray, sir. What resemblance, or connection is 
there, between the sin of unbelief, and the Sword of violent oppression by our brethren, 
to take away our money, and deprive us of all our temporal enjoyments "! No, Sir, the 
present Dispensation points us to a Sin against the Second table, viz. against our 
neighbour, our brethren: for thus stands the Controversy, they Demand our jiroperties; 
we tell them we will not Yjeld up our rights ; We will not be Slaves to them ; for 
Liberty and property are our Just rights; we will die Sooner than we will be Slaves. 
AVell,if liberty and property are so valuablel07(.*t. are they not as valuable to out Niii:hboiii's? 

'As to the toleration granted, by Moses, at God's direction to the Jews of old, viz. 
that Ihey might buy of the heathen Captives, and keep them as their Inheritance, I 
Lave answered it before in the publick newspapers, and so need not lo nionlicui it here. 

* And now. Reverend Sir, 1 would humbly ask, have you had no hand in ll.is Iniquitous, 
Man-stealing, or Slave-trade? have you not bought divers of lliese |icople for money ; 
(people made of the same flesh and blobd with yourself and your Children;) And kept 
them in Bondage? One of Which, if I Mistake not, you have Baptized, and received 
as a Member of the Church of Byfield : And Afterwards offered to Sell the Same Slave 
for a large sum of money. Pray, Sir, is this teaching the way of Kigbteonsness '! is 
this doing as you would be done by ? is this practising the great command of our 
Kedeemer, according to that Sacred rule of equity Delivered by our Saviour's own 
mouth, Matthew 7: 12, Therefore all things Whatsoever ye would that men should 
do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets? have you never 
attended to what our Redeemer has told you, in that Same Jlemorable Sermon on the 
Mount. Matthew 5; 10, Whosoever shall break one of the least of these Commands; and 
shall leach men so, shall be called the least in the Kingdom of heaven ? and can you say, 
Sir, that you have not violated that Sacred universal rule? and have you not taught 
others to do so, by your example ? have you considered that text in Corinthians ; 
!>th, know ye not that the unrighteous shall i^it inherit the Kingdom of God ? have 
you been so long a preacher of the (iospel, and not learnt Righteousness ? Pray. Sir, 
look on Ihat text, Jeremiah 23 ; 1 :t. Wo unto him that buildeth his house by Unright- 
eousness, and his Chambers by Wrong; that uselh his Neighbour's Service without 
Wages, and givelh him not for his Work. Has not this been your i)ractice. as you have 
kept Slaves '. I beseech you. Sir, to consider who these men-stcalers are Ranked with, 
whom We find in the first Kjiistle to Timothy first Chapter and ninth verse, for the 
law was not made for the Righteous, but for the ungodly, and for Sinners, and so forth, 
for murderers of fithers. and murderers of mothers, for m;m-slayeis. lor mansle.iieis, 
:[nd so forth. Here we find man-stealers Ranked amongst the most enormous ciimes 
that Scripture gives us any account of But, Sir, this Wicked practice of yours is not 
all that I Complain of; ] inlreat you to consider the melancholy Consequences of this 
your practice; for hereby, you have lendred your self incapable of discharging the 
duty of a faithful Watchman ; for your mouth Is shut; you can't reprove others, or 
bear publick testimony against this horrid crime, without comlemning your self, and 
your own pr.ictice; so that others, by your neglect are hardened in their Sin, and 
iniboldcned to commit the like. I pray you sir, to consider what the Lord Saith by 
the Prophet Ezekiel Chapter 33, verses 2d and downward. Son of man. Speak lo 
the Children of thy people, and say unto them. When I bring the Sw'ord upon the land, 
if the people of the Land take a man of their coasts and set him for their Vv'alchman, 
:ind so forth, and so forth, if the watchman see the Sword come, and blow not the 
trumpet, and the people be not warned, if the Sword come and lake any per.-on from 
among them, he is taken away in his iniquity, hul his blood u-itl 1 rc<iuiir at the 
W'cilrhmnn's hands. O, Sir! are you not set for a Watchman in this (ilace, and for the 
people of this Land? and have you ever blown the trumpet lo give warning of this horrid 
Sin of Manstealing; this Cff/iiYa/ Sin of this people, for which our Land bleeds and 

44 



346 APPENDIX. 

mourns at this day? is not the hand nf God lifted up? and does he not threaten to 
retaliate anil visit our Iniquities of this l;iiid upon ihis people ? And do yon keep 
Silence, and not call upon this people to put away tlip violence that is in their hands ? 
And do you, Sir, when you view the dispensations of providence, at this day, acquit 
your self as a faithful VV'alchman '. 

' But if you Say you do not view this iniquitous practice in the Same li^ht that I, 
and others do, I pray you to look into the lourteenth Chapter of Ezekiel, where the 
Lord Saith by that piophel, if any man come to enquire of the Lord ha\ini!; the 
Stumbling block of his iniquity belore his face ; I. the Lord will answer that man by 
my self. I iotieat you to consider whether this Stumbling block of your Iniquity, has 
not blinded your eyes; and. if so, are you a Qualified Watchman ? 1 confess. Sir, you 
cry aloud against Some Sins; If men ask or take an exoibitant price for their Corn, 
Meat, Butter, or Wood and so forth, you say ' is this doing as yon would be done by ? 
is this loving your Neighbour as your self ! ' But When men buy or Sell their brethren, 
(for 1 confess I knov\' not Which is the most ciiniiiial, the buyer, or the Si'ller.) and 
make merchandise of human flesh, here you are silent! and why, but for the reason 
given above, that is you are afraid to condemn your self ? 

' And should you plead, Sir. the Law of the land, or the practice of the people, as an 
excuse in your lavour; I answer, that neither the Law of the land, nor the commonness 
of the people's practice in this affiiiv, alters the nature of the Ciiraeal all: for that 
which is Wrong in its own nature, can never be made right by any law or practice of 
inen. But, to conclmle at this time, tho' more might he said against this wicked prac- 
tice, I intreat jou to consider What the Word of God Says; but if you refuse still to 
hearken, I ran only Say my soul shall weep in Secret places for you, and the people of 
this bleeding Laud. I am, Reverend Sir your humble Servant, 

' Be.nj.^mi.n Colman. 

' Byfield in Newbury, November 7th, 17S0.' 

Deacon Colinan's letter to a Church member for selHng a slave. 

' NcKbiiry, Fibruary Olh, 17S3. 

' Dear Sir, 

' As the affair I now write to you upoahas been talked over between us from 
year you are no stranger to my sentirfients on this subject; but although I have been 
unsuccessful with you as to your conviction of your error, I don't despair of success 
now. The subject is interesting, yea of the last importance to you: for if you are 
condemned at the bar of the Supreme Judge of right and wrong, you must know there 
is no appeal and no repealing his sentence. Thcrefoie in the bowels of love, and in 
tender compassion to your immortal soul. I beseech you to give me leave, not only as 
a fellow mortal with you, but as a brother in covenant, and lellovv servant, who ex- 
pects to stand at that tremendous bar, aiid hear my own sentence and yours from the 
month of Jesus Christ, at whose tribunal we must all appearand answer for all our . 
conduct here. 

' The sacred text, which I make the subject of my present argument with you, is re- 
corded in the eighteenth of St. Matthew's gospel from the twenty-third verse to the 
end of said chapter, which I entreat you to read with attention and application to 
yourself. 

' I have inserted the parable at large, because T am very desirous to draw your atten- 
tion to the subject as I look upon you as peculiarly concerned in it. J am one of your 
fellow servants that am very soriy for what vou have done : and in love to your im- 
moital soul, in fiithfulness to my cox'enant-nbiigations to you as a brother. I gi\e you 
this warning, and now humbly ask you to view this parable and think with yourself 
whether your picture is not truly drawn in the character of the wicked servant men- 
tioned in that parable. I now as a fellow servant suppose the following things are 
true. 

' 1. You are the person that was arrested by force of the di\ine law, and found to owe 
ten thousand talents to the King of Kings. 

'2. Vou suppose that by falling down at the foot of divine justice, you have obtained 
a pardon for the same, upon your submission to his government and sentence, so as to 
obtain forgiveness. 

'3. You are the person that afterwards have gone out and laid hold of your fellow 
servant Peter, took him by the throat, and by your ailveitisemenl cast him into prison 
for something, though 1 suppose he owed you nothing: lor I verily believe that instead 
of his ov\'ing you one hundred pence yon were in his debt for past services. 

'4. Von sold him in prison, and all that he had into perpetual slavery and bondage. 
Now. dear Sir, though I may have inis.-ed diawing the lines of your picture in some 
circumetance attending this affair. I presume yon can 't deny the substance to be fact* 



APPENDIX. 847 

viz. That you have sold your brother Peter, who was broiijht up at the same table 
with you. for money or somelhing else; and have don« this ihinj against our sovereign 
the King of Kings and his plain laws in such cases mide and provided ; as in Maithew 
1 : IJ, Jlatthew 18: 23, and as I think against the whole plan of the gospel dispensa- 
tion. 

' Now, Sir, I entreat you to consider what account you will be able to give of this 
your conduct at that tremendous bar. when deaih lakes hold of your soul and you are 
summoned to answer for your breach of this divine law, when the dreadful sentence 
shall be pronounced ' ihou vi'keit seiTont, I fnt-gave thee all that tiibl. bcause thou dc- 
sircdsl wif, aixd shoulde^t thmi also hnvt had ronipnaition on thy fellow servant, even as I had 
j/ity on ihte? What will you say for yourself to the Kin^'! Will you apologize and 
siy I ihouiht no harm ? Will you plead ihe liw of the State, or the law and practice 
of this land ! Will you plead in yourfivour Ihe old Jewish abrogated law, with which 
you had not any thing to do, as you are a Gentile by nature and profess to be under the law 
to Jesus Christ? Will you plead the e.xample of our father Abraham, who you say 
kept servants ? (Tho' you read not that he sold any of them as slaves.) Will you plead 
thil your pastor and teacher did the like as you haie done ! Will you plead that you 
were not friendly and f.iiihfully warned of your sin and danger by what you have done? 
No, Sir, this parable is sufficient to stop your mouth; for this is the rule he has told 
you, by which he will proceed v<iih you at the tremendous assize. And you can't 
plead ignorance because the book of the divine laws you have always had in your 
house. Moreover you can 't plead that you had not brotherly warning, for I, your fel- 
low servant, soon after you committed this trespass against the law of Christ, friendly 
admonished you and entreated you to consiiler and do justice to Peter, by redeeming 
him and set him at liberty. Afterwards I warned you when you were on your sick 
bed, which we all feared would prove your death bed ; but still you refused lo hearken 
to Ihe warning; you made light of it and called it a small matter. Since that I dealt 
w iih you by two of our breihren, and brought you lo hearken to the counsel of God's 
word and do justice to ihe said Peler, but you have hitherto refused to hearken. Now 
Sir this leller stands as a witness and warning of your hazard. 1 beseech yon again 
to consider and repent before that dreadful day comes, before the judge becomes inex- 
orable, and divine vengeance and vvralh are unappeisable. If J may be allowed to 
speik my solid senliraenls in your case, 1 must say, I would not sleep one night under 
your guilt for a million worlds, unless 1 was come to a full determination to go orsend, 
as soon as possible, and redeem that slave and set him a! liberty. Will you. Sir, at- 
tend upon God's house and worship, and say as some wicked people of old time said 
we are delivered to do all these abominalions ? 

' Now, Sir, I say, had jon done this deed in times of former ignorance it might have 
been winked at, or more easily e.vcused; but as it was peipetrtiied in the time when 
we were all struggling for liberty from slavish oppression, it looks to me ine.vcusable. 
But what seems to complete your character as the wicked servant, mentioned in the 
parable under coRsidei-ation, is this as I have been credibly informed ; Peter in Rhode 
Island gaol, fell down al your feet, and virtually, in effect, either before your fire or by 
an ailvocate pleaded with you to have patience with him, and he would come home 
with you and be your servant or slave. But you turned a deaf ear to his complaint 
and cries for mercy and you sold him into perpetual bondage and slavery, where I sup- 
pose he is groaning under the oppressor's yoke, if living, lo this day. And if his com- 
plaints do n"t pierce your conscience now I believe they will one dav be fell with ag- 
gravated horror and remorse, I subscribe your faithful monitor, aggrieved brother and 
feilow servant 

B. C 

•"A Remonstrance offered by Benjamin Colman to llie Reverend Moses Parsons Pastor, 
and the Chh in Bjtield, from the second Book of the Cronicles Ifith, lOlh vs. Then Asa 
\wfls Wroth with the Seer and put him in a prison house, lor he was in a rage with 
him, because of this thing. And Asa op|iressed Some of the people the Same time. 

'Persecution is one of those dreadful! effects of mans Apostacy that has not only 
made ils discovery in the first man that was born of a Woman ; but has discovered its 
self in the practise of the degenerate race ever since. Cain was the first man that 
was born, and he was a persecutor even unto deth, and the apostle John 1 epistle 3 : 12, 
Says not as Cain who was of that Wicked one and slew his brother : ami wherefore 
slew he him, because his own Works were evil, and his brothers righteous. Here is 
thedreadfull Source of all persecution ; Knmity against God, and hatred to holiness; 
anil the enmity between the Seed of Ihe Woman and the Seed of the Serpent, will 
never be reconciled. Yet the enemies to truth and Righteousness have always the 
Pharisees excuse ready in their mouths, viz. for a good work we stone thee not : for 



348 APPENDIX. 

notViwilhstaiulini^ man has lost all Ihat part of God's image upon his soul, whicii 
consisted in Kis^htcousness, and true holiness; yet God has left such an impress, of 
what is right, upon men's consciences and of what is Wrong, that hut few Wicked 
mi'u dare to Say, boldly, and deliberately, they are not afraid to practice that which is 
wrong. But although the restraints of God's grace, the happy etl'ects of a good 
education, and some Selfish worldlv motives, may cause even wicked men for a time to 
show much lespect to the people of God. Yet w^ien Temptation comes, when their 
Idol (Jod Self is touch'd, when their Worldly honour or interest arc like to clash with 
truth; they will act out the natural enmity of their hearts rather than loose what is 
dear to them in this World. For there is something that lays nearer the 'nearts of 
Carnal men then (lod or his trnlh. But let us take a view of the Character of King 
Asa as it stands upon Sacred record. And I confess there are severall things to be 
taken notice of in his Character that look favourably, for he was a great reformer in 
the Woishipof God. and did much in throwing down Idolatrous Worship. He put 
do\vi\ his Mother i'roni being Queen, because she was an Idolater. Yea, it is said of 
him that his heart was perfect all his days. Which may mean that he retained an 
abhorrence to Idol Worship, and kept up good e.xternali government all his days in his 
Kingdom. lie was verry Sucksessfull in liis AVars with the Kthiopians and Lubims, 
who c ima agiinst him with a huge host of a Thou.sand Thousand and three hundred 
chariots, and he obtained a compleet victory over them. Upon which he was congrat- 
ulated by the propliet Azariah, who said to him in the name of God ; the Loril is with 
you Wliile ye be with him, and if ye seek him he will be found of you ; but if ye 
ibisake him he will forsake you. Upon which he was much anniin ited and stirred up 
to (ironiote reformation work for a lo:ig time. 

'But in the thirty-sixth year of his Reign, Baasha King of Israel, made War with 
As I King of .lurlah, and here he turned aside from putting hiS'trusL in the Lord, and 
put his ti(i>t in the King of Syria. He robbed the treasures of the house of the Lord, 
and the Kings house, to hire a heathen King to assist him in the War, in this he did 
foolishly, as the prophet afterwards told him, and reproved him for not putting his 
Iriist in the Lord. For the Lord says by the prophet Jeremiah chapter 17: 5 Cursed 
he the man tint trustoth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth 
from the Lord and so forth. 

■ Herein li.' did Wickedly ; in robbing the house of the Lord ,of its treasure, to bribe, 
and persvvatie a lieatlien Idolalrmis King to break his Solemn League and Covenant 
with the King of Israel to assist him. (For Leagues or Covenants were look'd upon to 
be Sacred, even among heathens.) Whereupon the prophet Hanani comes to him with 
a message Irom (jod, and tells Asa the King, verse 17, because thon hast relied on the 
King of Syiia, and not relied on the Lord thy (Jod, therefore is the Ho.st of the King 
of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Elliiopians, and the Lubiiiis a huge 
host, with very many chariots and horsemen ? Y'et because thon didst rely on the 
Lord, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the Lonl run to and fro 
throu:;hout the whole earth to siievv himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart 
is perfect ton, irds him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; therefore from henceforth 
thou shalt have Wars. Now comes in the Woids of the le.xt. Then Asa was wroth 
with the Seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rase with him because 
of this thing. Arid Asa oppressed, or as the margin reads it crushed some of the people 
the same time. .Xnd here I would remark, that if King Asa was a good man as I 
would fain hope he was, he is the only one of that Charecter on Sacred record that 
tiirn'd a persecutor; or at lest I do n't recollect any other instance of the like kind. It 
riiiy be so that he was the only one. For as one Divine well observes, there is one 
Instance of a Conversion at the eleventh hour of his life, viz. the thief upon the Cross, 
that none m.iy despriir; So tli-'ie is but one that none may presume. So this instance 
before us may be left on record, for tlie encouragement of any, who have been left to 
persecute the Godly; to turn to God by repentance while there is hope. But to 
return to the te.\t; he was Wroth with the Seer, and shut him up in a prison house for 
he was in a rage with him because of this thing. As much as if he had said to the 
prophet Hauaui; Are yon one of the Kings Councill, will you who are my Subject 
presume to direct your Sovereign prince what he shall do. A\'ill you tell me that I 
hiive done foolishly : in hiring Assistance \vhen I needed help and so lorth. No if you 
will preach, you shall preach in a prison house, and not belbre your King; and so he 
put him in a prison house. And we do n't read that he ever set him at Liberty till his 
own deth, which was at lest four years after. the pride and haughtiness of mans 
heart when left to himself; and left to forsake God; And as the prophet Azariah 
told him Chapter 1-5: 'J, if ye fors.ike him he will forsake you. So the Lord fulfilled 
his word sent by that prophet. But w-as not the prophet Hanani rash and insolent 
lo tell the King he had iloue foolishly / might he not have softnecl, or polished his 
Message by Saying : I think you have not done so well as you might have done, I am 



APPENDIX. 3-19 

sorry you tliil not rely on the Lonl and so forth : I answer, no. God's Messengers must 
be bold, plain and faithful! in delivering his Messages, or els they would incurr their 
Masters displeasure : they may not in his cause give flattering titles, lest their maker take 
them away. But liere I uould remark the very great dili'ercnce boHveen the temper ofthi.s 
King Asa, and his predecessor David ; concerning reproof; David Said, let the Right- 
eous smite me it shall be an excellent oil wliich shall not l)reak mine head. And when 
the ])roi)het Nathan came to repiove him for his murder and Adultrv. 2 Samuel 1:2: Ki. 
how, meekly, anrl readily did he acknowledge his (ault, I have Sinned Saiil he. and 
(iod immediately gave hiin news that he was pardoned. But what can such haughty 
ones e.xpect who when they are Justly reproved for their faults, do rage at the Messen- 
ger, and despise the Jlessage. But King Asa also gave further proof of his having 
forsaken God; when he was visited with a painfull Disease in his leet ; he sought not 
to the Lord but to the Physitians for help. Vers, 12 Things look dark respecting hitri 
in his latter dayes, for the Lord Says e.vpresslv bv the prophet Ezekiel, Chapter .1:J : Hi, 
when 1 shall say to the righteous that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own 
Righteousness and committ iniquity : all his righteousness shall not be remembred. but 
for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. And so verse IS of the same 
Chapter. From the time that King Asa forsook the Ways of the Lord, his Kingdom 
was upon the decline, lie was exercised with wars and tumults, and a very painl'ull 
disease; and although he had a pompuous burial, yet his sun seemed to set in a cloud, 
for we read not that he returnVl to God bv repentance. But here I would remark how 
dansierous it is to tell great men of their laults. .John baptist lost his head by telling 
King Herod of his faults, .^nd saint Paul was cornanded to he smitten on the moutir 
for reproving the proud hiijh prie.st. And what numberless instances have we upon 
record in Ecclesiastical history, of the failhfull people of God Suffering persecution, 
for the faithfull discharge of their duty in reproving Sin in their Superiours. 

' But I would now address myself to the Reverend pastor of Bylield Chh. Rever- 
end Sir you have been my pastor and teacher for many years. AVe took Sweet Counsel 
together and went to the house of God. I rejoyccd in your preachins the great Doc- 
trines of grace and S.iivation through Jesus Christ. I trust I have been instructed 
and editied by your Ministry from time to time. But permit me Reverend Sir to Com- 
plain to you that you are turuM a peisecutor like the King Asa of w'hom I have been 
Speaking. I brought you a ^Message from the word of God concerning the Wicked 
practise of Slave keeping, and you were angry with me, and put mc in prison, and 
have confineil me for more Hhan two years. If you ask what I mean by being impris- 
oned ? I answer you have bv vour Chh. Censure Shut ine vip from the Society and 
fellowship of God's people in Gospel Ordinances; which I take to be as really perse- 
cution as to be confined to a local prison house. If you Say you have not Shut me up 
from comitinnion with any but Byfield Chh. I answer accoiding to your principles 
you have from all Churches: for h.ad I applyed to another Chh. aiul been received to 
communion with them, you would have been angry with that pastor and Chh. for 
so doins. If you ask how I know this I answer, because the case has been tried in a 
like instance, for in time past when a Member of your Chh. who was dissatistied with 
you. and applied to a Neighbour Chh. and was received to their Communion, you 
found fault with that pastor, and Maintained a Quarrel with hiin, for a number of 
years. For that and the like things, have I not importunately requested Counsel ever 
since the dispute bciran, according to the Congregational platform, upon which you 
took yoMr Ordination Office, but have hitherto been denied yt. privilege. You may re- 
member Reverend Sir that I did not Wish to Stand in a Wiong, or false cause, and tolfl 
you if you would Answer my paper of Complaint, and point me to any thing, or 
things that Stood wrong in S'd paper, according to the Word of God I would immedi- 
ately retract them, and in the humblest manner acknowledge my fruit and ask forgive- 
ness both of God and man. But your Answer to me then was, (if I rightly remember, 
in the followifig words,) I can 't Answer you, the Chh. may Answer you, but I can't 
Sit down with yon Deacn. Colman. And so you call'd upon the Biethren of the Chh. 
to vote me out of your communion. And this you Said as it appeared to me. with a 
good deal of Warmth and temper. Sir I do n't pretend to be vested with the Authori- 
ty of a prophet, or publick teacher, yet if my message in the paper referr'd to Stands 
right with the Rule of Gods woril; it ought to be regarded by you as if it had been de- 
livered to you by the Mouth of a prophet, for Since the Canon of Scriptuie is Com- 
plected, God has given us in the Bible, one perfect unerring rule of faith and practise. 
So that whatever is plainly deducible from Scripture, is Scripture, and ouiilit to be re- 
ceived as of Divine authority, whoever is the Messenger, for all truth is Christs, who 
is the truth its self emphatically, as well as the way and the life. And now Reverend 
Sir that you and I may be convinc'd of every thing we ought to be convinc'd of and 
have the path of truth and duty made plain before us, and that we may receive grace 



360 APPENDIX. 

from Christ ■le'^iis, whereby we tnny Sincerely oompiv with the Will of God as re- 
vealed ill his Word, is the prayer of your Abused fiieiid, and humbie Servant. 

BENJAMIN Cor.MAN. 

'But before I conclude this remonstrance, I beg leave to make a short address to 
the brethren of llie Chh. in Byfield; 

' Dear brethren you can't but remember that from the lime the controversey between 
Mr. Parsons and I beiijan, I was desiious of Couucill in our case: 1 offered Several 
times to lefer it to a councill of Mr. Parsons own chusiuL'. but was denied by the Pas- 
tor. Since I have offered to Jovit in Councill. and consented that he ShouUl Nomina'e 
and choose two thirds of the Council! ; and if i was fount! to be the f'aully cause of 
the Trouble and ch\ri;e, I would pay the expenses thereof but Still I am denied. I 
now put it to your Consciences whether you do by me as you would be Willing lo be 
done bv. were you in my case, for I know no other rule perfectly jight but this, which 
Christ has given us as the universal Rule of equity. 

' I confess the paper 1 Offered lo our pastor is of a rough draft, it is not polished with 
learning or lelorick as it might have been, but I suppose it contains nothing but truth. 
And if it is an unanswerable Testimony against Slave keeping, it is what 1 designed 
it to be. 

' And as it pleased God to open my eyes al that time to see the Abominable Wicked- 
ness of ihal ]iractise, I believe Silence in me would have been a Crime. 

' But mv biPthreii, there is one Text upon Sacred recoid which I beg leave to ofier 
to your Serious consiileralion. it is recorded in St. Matthews gospel, .Gth Chipter '23 
and -'4 verse-^. ■ Therefore if thou bring thy gift 'o the Altar, and there rememberest 
that thy brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy.gift before the Altar, and go 
thy way. first be reconciled lo thy Biother. and then come and offer thy gift.' How 
you Sati.-fy your Consciences in attending the Ordinance of the Lords Supper I can 't 
See, if you remember that yon, and the pastor, have Shut me out of your Communion, 
for bearing I'e^limony agiinst the Detest, ible practise of Slave keepitiii. and miking 
Merchrndise of human people ? people made of the Sime flesh and blood as we are 
and differ from us only in colour. This as I understand is the true Slating my case. 
This is verry Wide from what I am well informed is ihe practise of the purest Chhs. 
in the Jersey Slate, they will not admit Members lo their Coiumniiion. who hold their 
Slaves. But I am shut out for bearini: Teslimony asrainst that Wicked practise Vou 
c in 't bul he Sensible Ihe (iractise of Slave keeping is Repiobited. and Abhorr'd by the 
mo-t Goilly people throuuh this Stale, but lo add no more, that truth may appearand 
Justice lake place in eveiy instance, is the prayer of your Agrieved brolher, 

B£.NJ.\M1N CoL.MAN. 

Byfidd NomnUr 2d 1783.' 

Lieiter I, instead of C, page 38. 
LIST OF GRADUATES FROM NEWBURY. 

Bcnimnia Woodbridge, wlioso name stands first on the Cambridge 
catalo£!,iie, was of cotu'se the first person, who received a dei;ree at 
Cambridge College, as from the first commeneemeut in 1612 till 1773, 
degrees were conferred on the students, and their names arranged in 
the catidogue, not according to age, or scholarship, or the alphabet, but 
according to the rank their families held in society. Thus the son of 
a captain preceded him who was only llie son of a lieutenant, and in 
one instance, where this order wa.s reversed, great oflence'was taken. 
The apology was that the lieutenant was the more respectable man, 
and would have been a captain loo, had his health permitted. 

]n the following list, which comprises the names of those graduates 
who were, or are, natives of Newljury, Newbnryport and West New- 
bury, the alphabetical firrangement will be used, with the exce|)tion of 
the" name of I\lr. Woodbridge. The names of those who were born 
in England, but came lo Newbury when young, will be indicated by 
an asterisk. Among them was Benjamin Woodbridge. lie was a 
son of the Rev. John \\'oodbridge, of Stanton in Wiltshire, a brolher 
to the Rev. John Woodbridge, with whom he came to America ia 



APPENDIX. 851 

1634, and a nephew to the Rev. Thomas Parker and the Rev. James 
iSoyes, the first ministers of Newlniry. He is called by Dr. Calainy, 
' the tirsl fruits of the college in New England, as Arch Bishop Usher 
M-as at that in Dublin.' He had been a member of Magdalen College 
in Oxford, but chose to complete his collegiate education in Massachu- 
setts He soon after returned to England. He at (irst preached at 
Salisbury, on the river Avon, thence alter a few years, he was called 
to succeed the Rev. William Twiss D. D. in Newbury, England, 
where he shone as a scholar, a preacher, a casuist, and a christian. In 
August, 1G6'2, he was silenced by the act of uniformity, and as he coidd 
not ])reach publicly, he maintained a private meeting at Newbury, 
whither be hati returned after an absence of a year or two. In 1671 
he was permitted to resume bis public labors, and died at Inglefield 
in Berkshire, November first, 1G61, in his si.Nty-third year. 

Mr. Woodbridge was also a poet. From his eulogy on the Rev. 
John Cotton, who died in 1652, 1 make the following extract. 

' A living breathing Bible; tablos where 
Both covenants, at large, engraven were ; 
Gonpd and law, in's heart, had each it.s column 
His head an index to the sacred volume. 
His very name a lUlc page ; and ne.\t, 
His life a lomnmitary on the text. 
O. what a monument of glorious worth 
When in a new cditwn, he comes forth 
Without erralas, may we think he '11 be 
In leaves and covers of eternity.' 

Dr. Calamy says of him ' He was a universally accomplished per- 
son ; one of a clear and strong reason, and of an exact and profound 
judgment.' Anthony Wood says of him that 'he was accounted 
among his brethren a learned and mighty man.' 

ADAMS, REV. BENJ.\MIN b. S Jlay, 1710, Harv. 173S, ord. in Lynn, 5 Nov. 1755, 
and died 1 May. 1777. aged .58. 

AI).\.MS, KKV. JOSEPH twin brother to Benjamin, Harv. 1743. was a zealous 'new- 
light ' so called, and preached for some time lolhe society which afterward settled 
tije Rev. Jonathan Parsons in Mewhury. now Newburyport. Mr. A. was settled in 
Strathnm. N. H. -'4 June. 17.5r>. and dieil -'4 Feb. I7S.5, aued l\C<. 

ADAMS. ISAAC b. If) Feb. 1777, Harv. 17PS, studied mediciiie, but his health failed 
and he died 4 June. 1807. 

ADA.MS, FREEBORN b. 30 Sept. 1774, Dart. ISOl, was a physician in South Caro- 
lina. Newbury District. 

AD.\MS, JOSEPH Bowd. lS-27, and resides in Gardiner, Maine. 

ANDREWS, EDWARD W. b. 2 Aug. 1790, Harv. 1810. died in Nov. 1S25, in Phila- 
delphia. 

ATKINS, .MR. DUDLEY b. 1731. Harv. 174S, and died 24 Sept. 17C7. aged 35. 

ATKINS. MR. DUDLEY Harv. 1810, was aphvsician in N. Y. and died 7 Apr. 1S4.5. 

ATKINSON, REV. JONATHAN Dart. 1787, ord Oct. 1794, in Limington, Me. 

and was livin;; in 1821. 

ATKINSON, THOMAS b. 27 Dec. 1069. Harv. 1091, and died liefote 1099. 

ATKINSON, MOSES LITTLE Dart. 1838, ami is a physician in Newbury, Mass. 

ATKINSON, CHARLES M. b. 17 June, 1S;9, Amh. 1841. 

ATKINSON, GEORGE H. Dart. 1843. 

ALLEN, WILLIAM STICKNEY 1803, Dart. lS2l.and now resides in St. Louis. 

ALLEN. REV. EPHRAIM W. brother to William S. b. 1810, Amh. 1S38, ord. North 
Reading, .Mass. Mav. 1843. 

BAILEY. REV. JAMES b. 12 Sept. 10")0, Harv. 1009, was a preacher for some time 
in Salem village, now Danvers, and died in Uoxbury 17 Jan. 1707. 

BAILEY, ISAAC b. 2 Oct. ir.SI. Harv. 1701. 

BAILEY. REV. ABNER b. 15 Jan. 1710, Harv. 17.30, ord. at S.alem, N. H. 30 Jan. 
1740, and died 10 March, 1798, aged 82. 



o52 APPENDIX. 

BAILEY, ENOCH brother to Abner, 1). 20 Sept. 1719, Harv. 174-3, after preachin; 

some time he entereJ the army as chaplain, and died at AILiiny, in Aug. 17.07, a^ed :;^ 
BAILKY, REV. JOSIAH h. 20 Jan. 17:J4, Harv. 1752, ord. at Hampton Falls, N. 11. 

19 Oct. 17.07, and died 12 Sept. 1702, a^ed 29. 
BAILEY, EBENEZERb. 23 June, 1794, Y'ale, 1S17, was a distinguished teacher in 

Boston, and died in Lynn, .5 Aug. 18:)S. 
EAILE V, REV. JOSEPH H. b. 15 Sept. 180S, Amh. 1S39, ord. in N. Dighton, Mass. 

31 Dec. 1S43. and died Nov. 1S44. 
BAILEY, REV. KIAH Dart. 1793, ord. in Newcastle, Me. in Oct. 1797, now 

in Hardwicl<. Vt. 
BARl'LET, WILLIAM Harv. ISOl. 

B ARTLET, Jt)SI A H Harv. 179.5, a teacher in Newburyport. 

BRaDSTREET. EDWARD M. D. Harv. 1834, and died 13 Dec. 1841. 
BARNARD, REV. THOMAS D. D. b. 5 Feb. 174S, Harv. 1766, ord. in Salem, Mass. 

13 Jan. 177.3, and died 1 Oct. 1S14, aged 07. 
BOARDMAN, REV. JOHN b. 8 Nov. 179.5, Dart. 1817, settled in West Boylslon, 28 

Feb. 1821, resigned Feb. 1S34, resettled in Douglas, 25 Feb. 1S3-5, and died 8 Nov. 

1842, aged 40. 
BOYD, WILLIAM b, 20 March, 1770, Harv. 1796, and studied medicine and died in 

Boston, 13 Jan. ISUO. aged 24. 
BRADIJURY, THEOPlllLUS b. 13 Nov. 1739, Harv. 17.57, practised law in New- 
buryport, was a Senator, Representative, and Judge of the Supreme Couit. He died 

6 Sept. 1803, aged 03. , 
BRIGtiS, JOHN A. M. P. Harv. 1835, is a physician in Newburyport. 

BROWN, REV. RICHARD b. 12 Sept. 167.5, Harv. 1097, was town cleric and school- 
master in Newbury for several yeai'.s, ord. in Reading, 23 June, 1712, and died 12 

Oct. 1732. His widow, with her children, returned to Newbury. 
BROWN. REV. SAMUEL b. 4 Sept. 10S7, Harv. 1709, ord. in Abington, 17 Nov. 17is, 

and died 12 Sept. 1749, aged 02. 
BROWN, JOHN B. b. 2 March, 1700, Harv. 172.5, and died in Newbury, 11 Aug. 1770, 

ased 6.5. 
BROWN, JOHNS. Dart. 18:;6. He died 13 Jan. 1812. 

CALDWELL, SAMUEL L. Waterville, 1811. 

CALDWELL, WILLIAM W. Bowd. 1843. 

CARY, Ri;V. SA.MUEL b. 4 Nov. 178.5, Harv. 1804, ord. in Boston colleague pastor 

With Dr. James Freeman, 1 Jan. 1809, and died at Rayston in England, 22 Oct. ISl.j, 

aged .30. 
CARY. THOMAS G. b. 5 Aug. 1777, Harv. 1811, and died in Greenland, N. H. 14 

June, 1820, aged 43. 
CARTER, TIIO.M AS D. b. Harv. 1SI7, and died al sea. 

CAiiTin;, REV. IIAMDEN S. b. 1807, Athens, Geor. about 1826 or 7, is a Presbyte- 
rian clergyman. 
CHASE, CALEB 1760, Nassau Hall, was a teacher in Concord, N. II. 

some years, then removed to Thornton. 
CHASE, REV. STEPHEN b, 26 Oct. 1705, Harv. 172.8. ord. in Lynn, now Lynn- 

lieUl, 24 Nov. 1731, left Lynnlield.aud was resettled in Newcastle, iN'. H. 5 Dec. 175.1, 

where he dieil Jan. 1778. 
CHASE, REV. JOSIAH b. 20 Nov. 1713, Harv. 1738, ord. at Spruce Creek, Kittery, 

19 Sept. 1750, and died 17 Dec. 1778. Having attended a wedding, he missed his 

way, and perished near his own house. 
CH.ASE, SIMEON b. 1715, Harv. 1767, was a teacher of youth more than half a cen- 
tury in Newbury, where he died 13 Sept. 1829. aged 84 1-2 vears. 
CH.VSi;, RJiV. i\iOSr,S B. Bowd. 18.31. and is now a chaplain in tlie navy. 

CHASE, REV. PLUjMER b. 13 March, 1794, Uowd. 1821, and settled in Carver, Mass. 

15 Oct. 1828, and died 1837, ag. 43. 
CLARK, REV. JOHN b. 21 Junc,1670, Harv. 1690, ord. in E.xeler 21 Sept. 1098, and 

died 25 July, 170.5, aged .3.7. 
CLARK. Rl'^V. 'JTIO.MAS M. b. 4 July, 1812, Y'ale 1831, ord. rector of Episcopal 

church, ISoslon, 5 Nov. 1830, now rector of St. Andrews' cliurch, Philadelphia. 
CLARK, REV. RUFUS W. b. 17 Dec. 1813, Yale 1838, ord. in Portsmouth, N. H. 

Nov. 1(5, 1843. 
CLARK, GEO. H. 7 Nov. 1819, Yale 1813, studying divinity. 
COFFIN, REV. ENOCH b. 7 Feb. 1095, Harv. 'l714, was a preacher, received a call 

to settle in Dnnslable, but his want of health prevented. He died 7 Aug. 1728. 
COFFl.V BRt)CKLEBANK SAMUEL brother to Enoch, b. 24 Aug. 1700, Harv. 

\~[s. and died 1 1 .Uine, 1727. 
COFFIN, DR. NATHANIEL b. 1716, Harv. 1744, and died in Falmouth 12 Jan. nC(>, 

aged 50. 



APPENDIX. 353 

COFFIN, REV. PAUL D. D. b. Iti Jan. 1737, Harv. llf,'X ord. in Buxton Me. 16 

March, 1763, and died there 6 June, IS'21, aged S4. 
COFFIN. CHARLES M. D. brother to Paul, b. 17 Ang. 1741, Harv. 1759, was a 

physician in Newbury and Newburyport, and died 30 April, 1S21. nearly 80. 
COFFIN. CHARLES M. D. b. 4 Sept. 17G5, Harv. 178;'), was a physician, a teacher 

in Portsmouth, N, H, and died in Beaulbrt, S. C. S Sept. ISJO. Principal of the 

academy in that place. 
COFFIN. REV. EBENEZER brother to Charles, h. ir, Feb. 1709, Harv. 1789, ord. in 

Brunswick, Me. 23 June, 1794, dismissed 1802. and died in Newbury 26 Jan. 1816. 
COFFIN, JOSHUA b. 12 Oct. 1792. Dart. 1S23, resides in Newbury. 
COFFIN. REV. CHARLES b. 15 Aug. 1775, Mr. D. D. at Wras. 1807. Pres. of 

Greenville collese in Tennessee. 
COFFIN, CHARLES HECTOR 24 April, 1804, Green. coU. 1824. 
COFFIN. GEORGE b. 1802, Bowd. 1829, was a student in Andover, and died in 

Newbury. Sept. 1830. 
COKER, THEODORE b. 16 Oct. 1707. Harv. 1726. 
COKER, ROBERT A. 19 March, 1807. Harv. 1831, and d, 8 March, 1833. 
COLMAN, DUDLEY b. 13 Aug. 174.5, Harv. 1765, was town clerk in Newbury, was 

an adjutant in the army, removed to Boston, thence to Biooktield, N. H. where he 

died 16 Nov. 17'.i7. 
COLMAN, THO\L\S brother to Dudley, b. 8 March, 1751, Harv. 1770, and was 

drowned at Newbury bar 28 Oct. 1784. 
COLMAN, H. CHARLES Bowd. 1844. 

CONNER. PHINEHAS S. 22 August. 1813, Dart. 183-5, is a physician. 
CROSS. ROBERT b. 3 July, 1799, Harv. 1819. is a lawyer in Michigan. 
COUCH, REV. PAUL, b. 20 June, 180.3, Dart.'l823, ord. in West Newbury 21 March, 

1827, resigned 14 Aug. 1828, then settled in Bethlehem, Conn. 1830, and again settled 

7 Oct. 1836. in North Bridgewater, JIass. where he now resides. 
CUSHING, CALEB b. in Salisbury, Harv. 1817, was a tutor in Harv. coll. memb. of 

congress, and late minister to China, resides in Newburyport, 
CUSHING, WILLIAM Harv, 1843. 

DUM.MER, REV. SHUBAEL b. 17 Feb. 1636, Harv. 1656, preached at York 1662, 

ord. tbere 3 Dec. 1672, and was there killed by the Indians as he was mounting his 

horse at his own door 25 Jan. 1692. 
DUMMER, NATHANIEL 14 Feb, 1724, Harv. 1745, and was drowned on his return 

from a voyage at sea, 
DALTON, TJRISTRAM b, 28 May, 1738, Harv, 1755, resided in Newburyport, where 

he died 30 May, 1817, aged 79, 
DALTON, JOHN C. M. D. b. Harv. 1814, was a physician in New Boston, 

N. H. and died Jan. 1830, aged 3.5. 
DANA. REV. WILLIAM C. b. 13 Feb. 1810, Dart. 1828, settled in Charleston, S. C. 
DODGE, ALLEN W. b. 9 April, 1804, Harv. 1826, resides in Hamilton, Mass, 
DOLE, REV. GEORGE T. ^Y'ale, 1838, ord. in Beverly, Mass. 6 Oct. 1842. 

DUTTON, ALFRED Bowd. 1842. 

EMERY, REV. SAMUEL b. 20 Dec. 1670, Harv. 1601. old. in Wells, Me. 29 Oct. 

1701. and died 28 Dec. 1724. 
E.MERY', ANTHONY b. 5 Sept. 1713, Harv. 1736, was a physician in Chelmsford, 

Mass. then Hampton, N. H. where he died 19 Aug. 1781, aged 07. 
EMERY, REV. STEPHEN b. Harv. 1730. settled in Nottingham, N. H. 

EMERY, THOMAS b. 17.50, Harv, 1768, died 21 Nov. 1770. 
EMERY', REV, SAMUEL M. 10 April, 1804, Harv. 1830, settled as an episcopal 

clergyman in Portland, Conn. 
EMER:\', REV. SAMUEL H. 181-5, Amh. 1834, now in Taunton. Mass. 
E.MERY, JOSHUA jr, b. 1807, Amh, 1831, settled in Fitchbiirg, now in N.Weymouth. 
EMERSON, JOHN E, Amh, 1844. 

EUSTIS, JOHN b. 21 April, 1790, Harv. 1810. 
EMERSON, REV. JOHN b. Harv. 1726, ord. in Topsfield, and died 11 

Julv. 1774, ased 64. 
FELTON, CORNELIUS C. Mr. tutor and prof, in Harvard university, b. Harv. 1827. 
FELTON. SAMUEL M. Harv. 1-834. 

FLANDERS, CHARLES b. Harv. 1808, and is a lawyer in Plainfield, N. H. 

FARNHAM, JOHN HAY b. 22 July, 1791, Harv. 1811, studied law, resided in Salem, 

Indiana, where he died 10 July, 1833. 
GERRISH, REV. JOSEPH b. 23 March, 1650, Harv. 1669, ord. in Wenham 12 Jan. 

167.5. and died 16 Jan. 1720, aged 70. , 

GERRISH, MOSES b. 10 June, 1744, Harv. 1762, was a school teacher, and removed 

to Grand Menan, where he died in 1825. 

45 



354 APPENDIX. 

GERRISH, JOSEPH b. 5 March, 177o, Dart. 1797, studied law, afterward went to sea 

as conimaiuler of a ship for spveral vears, and died in Newbury G Dec. 1839. 
OILMAN, EZEKIKL 24 Jan. 1S17, Harv. IM9. 
GREENLEAF, REV. DANIEL b. 10 Feb. IfiSO, Harv. 1699, ord. in North Yarmouth, 

nos. He removed to Boston, where he died 27 Aug. 1763, aged 83. 
GREENLEAF, STEPHEN b. 4 Oct. 1704, Harv. 17'23, was sheriff of Suffolk Co. 

and died Jan. 1795, nijed 91. 
GREENLEAF, BENlAJVIIN h. March, 1733, Harv. I75I, was judge of probate, and 

judge of coinmoa pleas. He died 13 .Fan. 1799, aged 67. 
GREENLEAF, SIMON Mr. LL. D. b. Bowd. 1S17, practiced la,w for 

some years in Portland, and is now prof of law in Harvard university. 
GREENLEAF, REV. JONATHAN brother to Simon, Bowd. 1824, ord. 

in 181 .5, Wells, Me. then preacher to the seamen in N. Y. for some years, and settled 
in Brooklyn, Long Island, 8 March, 1843. 
GREENLR;AF, CHARLES H. b. Dart. 1832, and died 

GREENLEAF, ALFRED Dart. 1838, teacher of the High school i« 

Brooklyn, Long Island. 
GREENLEAF, JAMES b. Dart. 1834. 

GORDON, WILLIAM A. Mr. M. D. Harv. 1826, is a physician in Hingham, Mass. 
GOULD, BENJA.MIN A. Harv. 1S14, was for many years teacher of the- 

Latin scliool in Boston. 
HALE, REV. MOSES b. 10 July, 1678, Harv. 1699, ord. in Newbury, Byfield, Oct. 

1706, and died Jan, 1743, ag. GO. 
HALE. REV. MOSES b. 1703, Harv. 1722, ord. in Chester, N. H. 20 Oct. 1731, and 

dismissed 4 June, 1735. 
HALE, REV. MOSES b. IS Jan. 171.'5, Harv. 1734, settled in Newbury, west parish, 

20 Feb. nr,% and died 15 Jan. 1779, aged 64. 
HALE, REV. MOSES son of the preceding, b. in Rowley 19 Feb. 1749, Harv. 1771, 

ord. in Bo.xford and died 26 Mav, 178(>. 

HALE, NATHAN b. 1 March, 1720, Harv. n'sy, and died in Newbury. 
HALE, SAMUEL b. 21 Aug. 17IS, Harv. 1740. In 1745, he commanded a compary 
of provincials at Lonisburg, and for more than thirty years was a distinguished teach- 
er of youth in Portsmouth, N. H. He died 10 July, 1807, aged 89. 
HALE, REV. BENJAMIN, Mr. Bowd. 1818, and at Dart. 1827, tutor 

and prof and now president of Geneva college, N. Y. 
HALE, E BENEZER M. D. Dart. 1829. 

HILLS, WILLIAM Oberlin Ins. 1841. 

HODGE, NICHOLAS b. 20 May, 1719, Harv. 17.39, and died in 1713, aged 2t. 
HODtJE. JIICH.\EL b. 9 Sept. 1780, Harv. 1799, and died 6 July, ISuCaged 36. 
HOOPER, REV. HEZEKIAH b. 1769, Harv. 1789, ord. in Boylston, 12 March, 1794. 
HOOPER, THOMAS W. b. 2.7 .Ian. 1771, Harv. 17S9. died in the naval service. 
HOOPER, STEPHEN b. 7 April, 17S.5, Harv. ISOS, practiced law, removed to Boston, 
and there died in 182.3. He had been representative and senator of Essex co. Mas- 
sachusetts. 
HORTON. REV. WILLIAM settled in Dover, N. H. 

HOWARD, RE V. WILLIAM G. Amh. 1835. 

HUSE, STEPHEN b. 16 Nov. 1702, Harv. 1720. 

HUDSON, HENRY I. Harv. 1843, studying divinity, in Cambridge. 

INGALLS, WILLIA.M h. 3 May, 1769, Harv. 1790, M. D. and prof at Brown. He 

now resides in Boston. 
JACKSON, JUDGE CHARLES b. 31 May, 177.5, Harv. 1793, resides in Boston. 
J A CICSON, JAMES MR. M. D. prof b. 2 Oct. 1777, Harv. 1796, is a physician in Boston. 
JE WETT, REV. CALEB h. Dart. 1776, ord. in Gorham, Me. 5 Nov. 1783, 

and dismissed and died in 1800. 
JAQUES, STEPHEN h. 5 Feb. 1685, Harv. 1707, resided in Newbury, was a notary 

public, and a teacher of youth. He died about 1779. 
JAQUES, REV. RICHARD b. 1 April, 1700, Harv. 1720, ord. in Gloucester, 3 Nov. 

172.5, and died 12 April, 1777, aged 77. 
JOHNSON, JONATHAN G. Harv. 1810, is a physician in Newburyport. 

KELLY, REV. 'WILLIAM b. 31 Oct. 1714, Harv. 1767, ord. in Warner, N. H. 5 Feb. 

1772, and dismissed 11 March, ISOl, and died 18 May, 1813. 
KENT, AMOS b. 16 Oct. 1774, Harv. 1795, was a lawyer in Chester, N. H. and died 

IS June, 1824. aged 49. 
KENT, MOODY Harv. ISOl. is in the practice of law in Concord, N. H. 

KIMBALL, EDWARD b. 16 Aug. 1793, Harv. 1814, resides in Wenham. 
KNAPP, JACOB NEWMAN 7 Nov. 1773, Harv. 1802, resides in Walpole, N. H. 

KNAPP, SAMUEL LORENZO LL. D. at Paris, b. Dart. 1804, was a lawyer 

in Newburyport. thence to Boston, and died in Hopkinton, JIass. 



APPENDIX. 355 

KNAPP. PHILIP COOMBS Dart. lS-10. 

LE BRETON". ED.MUND L. Harv. 1S24, practices law in Ncwburyport. 

LITTLE. SIL.\S l>. Jlarch, n.-jt, Dart. 1770, resides in Newbury. 

LITTLE, IMOSES b. 3 July, 176G, Harv. 1787, was a physician in Salem, Mass. and 

died 13 Del. ISll. 
LITTLE, MICHAEL b. 14 March, 1771, Dart. 1792, and died in Newbury, 29 March, 

is.m 

LITTLE, EDWARD brother to Michael, b. 12 March, 1773, Dart. 1797, and now re- 
sides in Danville. Me. 
LITTLE, JOSIAH brother to the two preceding, b. 13 Jan. 1791, Bowd. ISll, resides 

in Newbury. 
LITTLE, JOSIAH S. b. in Minot. Me. Bowd. 1S25, is a lawyer in Poniard, Me. 

LONGFELLOW, STEPHEN b. 1723, Harv. 1742, moved to Portland 174.5, was a 

school teacher, parish, and town clerk 22 years, resiister of probate 15 years, clerk 

of the court IG years, and diet! 1 Jlay, 1790, aged G7 years. 
LONGFELLOW, EDWARD b. 17.58, Dart. 1780, was a teacher, commanded a com- 

pnny in the expedition against Daniel Shays, and died 3 Sept. 1794. 
LORD. REV. THOMAS N. b. 19 Aug. 1&0'7, Bowd. 1S35, and ord. in Topsham, Me. 

10 Aug. 1S37. 
LOWELL, JOHN LL. D. b. 17 June, 1743, Harv. 1760, commenced the practice of 

law in Newburvport, removed to Boston, and there died 6 May, 1S02, aged 58. 
LOWELL, JOHN LL. D. b. in Newburyport, Harv. 17S6, was a lawyer in Boston, 

where he died. 
LOWELL. FRANCIS C. brother to John, b. 7 April. 177-5, Harv. 1793, and died in 

Boston. 1S18. He studied law, became a manufacturer, and in 
LUNT, JOSEPH b. HaiT. 1737. and died at sea. 

LUNT, REV. WILLIAM P. b. 2 Ap. 1805, Harv. 1823, ord. in Quincy, 3 June, 1825. 
LUNT. GEORGE b. 31 Dec. 1803. Harv. 1824, is a lawyer in Newburyport. 
McGAW, THORNTON born in Newburyport, Dart. 1820, and is a lawyer in Ban- 

Kor. .Me. 
MARCH. REV. EDJICND b. 1703, Hai-v. 1722, ord. in Amesbury, 3 July, 1728, re- 
signed 19 March, 1743, and died in Newbury, 6 March, 1791, aged SS. 
MARCH. REV. JOHN C. b. 9 Oct. 1805, Yale, 1S25, ord. in Newbury, Belleville, 1 

Jlarch, 1832. 
:MF.RR1LL. rev. NATHAMEL b. 1 March, 1713, Harv. 1732, ord. at Nottingham 

We,-t. now Hudson, 30 Nov. 1737, and died 1796, aged S3. 
MERRILL, REV. NATHANIEL b. 1743, Harv. 1767, ord. in Boscawen, 10 Oct. 

17GS. dismissed 1 April, 1774. and died in Poultney, Vt Oct. 1791, aged 48. 
MERRILL, JOHN b. 3 Jan. 1793, Bowd. 1811, resides in Woodbury, N. J. 
MERRILL. REV. THOMAS 4th, b. 9 May. 1814, Waterville, 1841. 
MERRILL, DAVID b. 7 Oct. 1806, Yale, 1827, lives in Newburyport. 
*MOOD V. REV. JOSHUA b. 1632, Harv. 165:3, ord. in Portsmouth, N. H. 1671, was 

minister of the first church in Boston, from 23 May, 1GS4, till 1692, and died in Bos- 
ton, 4 July. 1697. in his 65lh year. 
MOODY, REV. SAMUEL b. 4 Jan. 1675, Harv. 1G97, ord. in Y^ork, 20 Dec. 1700, and 

there died 13 Nov. 1747. 
MOODY, SAMUEL b. 1700, Harv. 1718, commanded the fort at Pemaquid, then fort 

George, was a physician in Brunswick, where he died in 1758. 
MOODY, REV. JOHN b. 170.5, Harv. 1727,ord. in Newmarket, 25 Nov. 1730,and died 

15 Oct. 177S. aged 73. 
MOODY, REV.A.MOSb. 20 Nov. 1739, Harv. 1759, ord. in Pelham, N. H. 20 Nov. 

1765. dismissed in 1792. and died 22 March, 1819. aged 79. 
MOODY, REV. SILAS b. 28 April, 1712, Harv. 176l", ord. in Arundel 9 Jan. 1771, and 

died April, ISlfi. 
MOODY, STEPHEN b. Harv. 1790, was a lawyer in Gilmanton, N. H. 

where he died. 
]lIOODY, S.^.MUELb. Dart. 1790, moved to Hallowell, Me. where he died. 

MOODY, NATHAN b. Difrt. 179.5, resided in Hallowell, Me. 

MORSE, REV. JOHN b. 13 Sept. 1670, Harvard, 1693, ord. in Newton on Long Island 

in 1697. 
MORSE, REV. JOSEPH b. 10 Feb. 1072, Harv. 1695, ord. in Sloughton, now Canton, 

SO Oct. 1717. and died 29 Nov. 1732. 
MORSE, PARKER b. 20 April, 1715. Harv. 1731. 

TMORSE, HUMPHREY b. 1808, Amh. 1834, and died in Newbury, April, 1836. 
JIORSS, REV. JAMES D. D. b. 25 Oct. 1779, Harv. 1800, ord. rector of St. Pauls 

church in Newburyport, where he died 20 April, 1842. 
MOSELE Y, REV. WILLIAM OXNARD Harv. 1836, b. 27 April, 1815, and is settled 

in Sciluate, Mass. 



356 APPENDIX. 

NEWJIAN, SAMUEL jr. Amh. 1840, now in Newbury. 

NORTHENl), WILLIAM DU.MMER Bowd. 1843. is studying law. 

Nf)RTON. STEPHEN S. 6 Feb. 17S8. Harv. 1805. and died young. 
NO YES. REV. JA.VIESb. 4 March, 1G40. Harv. lfi.3H, was a preaclier in Stonington, 

Conn. Iii<i4. ord. there 10 Sept. 1071), and died 30 Dec. 1719. 
NO YES. REV. MOSES b. (J Dec. 1643. Harv. 1059, was the first minister in Lyme, 

Conn, and died there 10 Nov. 1720. aged 83. 
NOYES. REV. NICHOLAS b. 22 Dec. 1047, Harv. 1667, preached in Haddam, Conn. 

13 years, ord. In Salem II Nov, 1083, and died 13 Dec, 1717, aged 70. 

NOTES. REV, EDMUND b. 29 March, 1729. Harv. 1747, ord, in Salisbury, 20 Nov. 

17.J1, and died 12 .luly, IfeO!), 
NOYES, EBENEZER b, 1739, Nassau 1759, was a physician in Dover, where he 

died 11 Auu'. 1707, a^'ed 28, 
NOYES, REV, NATHANIEL b, 12 Aug. 17.3.5. Nassau Hall 17.19, ord. in Southamp- 
ton. N. H. 23 Feb. 1703, dismissed 8 Dec. 1800, and died in Newburyport, Dee. ISIO, 

ni^ed 75, 
NOYES, REV, THOMAS b. Harv, 170.5, and died in Newbury, 

NOY'ES. N.-\TH.\N M. D, b. Dart. 1790, was a physician in Newburyport, 

and died Sept, 18-12, 
NOYES, REV, JEREMIAH Dart. 1799, ord. 16 Nov. 1803, in Gorham, 

and died 15 ,l:in. 1807. 
NOYES. MOODY Harv. 1800. 

NOYES, D.\NIEL b. 29 Jan. 1739, Harv. 17.58, was register of probate for Essex, and 

died in Ipswich 21 March. 181.5, aged 77. 
NOYES, JOSHU.\ b, 1739. Nassau,"l759, was pastor elect of the church in Kingston, 

N. H. and died 8 Julv. 177.3, aged 34. 
NOYES, JOH.V h, 9 .Mav, 1709, Harv, 17.53. He died 13 Aug, 17.59, aged -50 years, 
NOYES, REV, GEORGE R. b. 6 March. 1798, Harv. 18|.S,~ord. in Brookfield, Mass. 

31 Oct. 1827, resettled in Petersham 15 Oct. 1834, and is now a professor in Harvard 

university. 
NOYES, FRANCIS V. M. D. 22 Sept. 1809, Dart, 1831, is a physician in Newburyport. 
NOYES, D.AMEL P. Yale, 1840, is now a tutor in Y'ale college. 

O'BRIEN, JOHN .M. Boud. 1800. is a lawyer in Boston. 

OTIS, REV. GEORGE 14 July, 1797, Harv, 1815, was a tutor and professor, rector of 

Christ church, Cimbridge, and died 25 Feb. 1828. 
PARISH. MOSES P. Bowd. 1822. 

PARSONS, SAMUEL H, son of Rev, Jonathan P, of Newburyport, b, at Lyme, Conn. 

14 May, 1737, Harv, 17.50. was a lawyer in Middletown, Conn, was a mijor-geneial 
in the Revolutionary army, was an aid to general Washington, by whom he was 
afterward appointed governor of tlie Northwestern territory. He was drowned in Big 
Beaver creeU'. Ohio, Nov. 12, 1789, aged 52, 

PARSO.NS, MOSES b, 13 May, 1744, at Gloucester, Harv, 1705, practiced law in 
H.iverhill, where he died, 

PARSONS, THEOPHILUS LL, D, A, A, S, b, 24 Feb, 17.50, Harv. 1709. Chief 
justice sup. jud. court, Mass. 

PARSONS, ,10N ATHAN G, 23 J.ilv, 1701, Y'ale 1777, and died 

PARSO.XS, THEODORE b. Aug. 1751. Harv. 1773, went out from Newburyport as 
a surs^eon in the Bennin^'lon privateer, and was lost in 1779. A young ' man of emi- 
nent abilities and distinguished virtues.' 

PARSO.NS, THEOPHILUS b. 17 .May. 1797, Harv. 181.5, and practices law in Boston. 

PARSONS, CHARLES C. b, 8 Apiil,'n.82, Harv. 1,801. 

PARSONS, WILLIA.M b. 17 Feb, I.SOO, Harv, 1818. 

PEARSON, ELIPHALET LL, D, A, A, S, b. 11 June, 17.52. Harv. 1773. and died 
in Greenland, N. H. Sept. 1S2U, aged 74. He was prof. lang. Harv. univ. and prof 
sac. lit. And. theol. sem. 

PE.'\RSON, ABIEL M. D. b. 17.50, Harv. 1779, was a physician in .'\ndover, where he 
dietl. May, 1827, as;ed 71, 

PERLE Y,' JERE.MIAH b. 1 1 March, 1784, Dart. 1803, was a lawyer in Orono, Me. 

PERKINS, HENRY C. M. D. b. Harv. 1824, is a physician in Newbury- 

port. 

PETTINGELL. AiMOS h'. 20 Oct. 1804, Yale, 1821, was tutor three years from 1827, 
anil died 30 Nov. 1831. aged 27, 

PIDGIN, REV, WILLIAM b, 1 March, 1771, Dart, 1794, ord. in Hampton, N. H. 27 
Jan. 1790, dismissed July, 1.807, and resettled in Minot, Me, 11 Feb, and dismissed 14 
Aug, 1810, 

PIERCE, N.ATHANIEL Bowd, 1844, 

PIERCE, DANIEL b, Harv, 1728, 

PIERCE, CHARLES b, 2 Feb, 1720, Harv, 1744, and died 17SS. 



APPENDIX. 357 

PIERCE, REV. THOMAS b. 11 Oct. 1737, Harv. 1759, ord. in Scarboro, Me. Sept. 

\'&2. and died 26 Jan. 1773. 
PIERCE, ED WIN W. b. 15 May, 1819, Amh. 1838, and died 13 Aug. 1840. 
PIKE, REV. JAMES b. 1 March, 1703, Harv. 1725, ord. in Sotncrsworth, N. H. 23 

Oct. 1730, and died 19 March, 1792. aged 89. 
PIKE, REV. JOHN b. 3 July, 1S13, Bowd. 1S33, ord. in Rowley 11 Nov. 1S41. 
PIKE. FRANCIS V. b. Yale 1833, and died 

P I K E. R B E RT G. Harv. 1 843. 

PLU.MER, THOMAS Amh. 1S3S. 

PLUMER, DANIEL .M. D. b. 4 .May, 1819, Dart. 1840, is a physician in Newburjport. 
PLI'MER. HORACE b. 20 April, 1821, Dart. IS-IO, is a lawyer. 
PLUMER. DAVID JL D. Brown 1821. is a physician in N. H. 

POOR, DANIEL .\. .M. D. b. 16 July, 1758, Harv. 1777, was a physician in Newbury, 

where he died 23 Jan. 1837, aged 78. 
PRICE, REV. EBENEZER b. 14 Sept. 1771. Dart. 1793, ord. in Belfast, Me. 29 

Dec. 1796, left 22 Sept. 1802, and was resettled in Boscawen, .N. H. 26 Sept. 1804. 
PRINCE, BENJ. L. b. 24 July, 1782. Dart. 1807, and died in Cincinnati 11 Aug. 1815. 
RAND. EDWARD S. LL. B. 15 March, 1809. Harv. 1828, is a lawyer in Boston. 
RAWSO.N. REV. EDWARD b. Harv. 1053. 

KAWSO.X, REV. GRINDAL b. in Boston, Harv. 1C78. 
ROGERS, JOHN M. D. Dart. 1816, was a physician in Boscawen, and died 

6 Jan. 1830. 
ROLFE, REV. BENJAMIN b. 13 Sept. 1662, Harv. 1684, ord. in Haverhill, Jan. 1690, 

and was killeil by the Indians 29 Aug. 1708. 
ROLFE. BENJ.VMlN b. S July, 1710, Harv. 1727, was clerk of the county court, and 

died 21 Oct. 173^. 
ROLLINS. JOHN RODMAN Dart. 1836. 

ROLFE. REV. BENJA.MlNb. 1734, Harv. 1777, ord. in Parsonsfield, Me. Jan. 1795, 

dismissed May. isi-j. and died 1826. aged 62. 
ROBERTS. ROBERT b 2S Dec. 17.M, Harv. 1771, died in one of the W. L islands. 
SAWYER. WILLIAM .M. D. Harv. 1788. 

SAWYER, JOSEPH Williams 1813. 

S A W Y E R. T H O .M A S Dart. 1 80.3. 

SAWYER, MIC.UOH MR. M. D. b. 15 July. 1737, Harv. 17.50, was a physician in 

Newburyport, and died 29 Sept. 181-5, aged 78. 
*SE WALL, JUDGE SAMUEL b. 28 March, 1652, Harv. 1671, and died in Boston 1 

Jan. 1730, au. 77. 
SE WALL, STEPHEN b. 171.5, Harv. 1731, taught school for many years in Newbury 

and Newburyport, and died in 1795, aged 80. 
SIMPSON. P.\UL M D. b. Harv. 1831, is a physician in Boston. 

SPRING. PINCKNEY b. Yale 1819. 

SPRING. REV. GARDINER MR. D. D. at Ham. b. Yale 1S05, ord. in 

N. V. 8 .\us. 1810. 
SPRING, REV. S.A.MUEL b. Y'ale 1811, March 21 ord. in Abingtoa 

resettled in Hartford, Conn. 6 Dec. 1826. 
STEVENS. REV. TLMOTHY b. 23 Sept. 1641, Harv. 1087. 
STONE, EBEN F. Harv. 1843, is studying law. 

SMITH. REV. DAVID Harv. 1790. 

STICKNEY, PETER LE BRETON Dart. 1839, is a physician in Phil- 

adelphia. 
STICKNE Y, JOHN Harv. 1804. Clerk of the'court in Boston, and died 

1832. 
SWETT. COL. S.\MUEL Harv. 1800, resides in Boston. 

SWEETSER. REV. SETH 15 March, 1807. Harv. 1827, was a tutor in Cambridge, 

ord. in Gardiner, Me. 23 Nov. 18.36, dismissed 8 Nov. 1838, and is now settled in 

Worcester. Mass. 
SHORT, REV. MATTHEW b. 14 March, 1688, Harv. 1707, ord. in Atlleboro' 12 Nov. 

1712. dismissed 31 Mav, 1715, preached at Saco, Me. resettled in Easton. Mass. and 

died 15 April, 1731. 
S.MITH, REV. DANIEL T. b. 17 Sept. 1813. Amh. 1S3I, was assistant instructor at 

.•\ndover 1834-6. ord. in Sherburne. Mass- 5 Dec. 1836. 
STORE V, CH. W. Harv. 1835. a lawyer and clerk of h. of rep. 

TAPPAN, REV. BENJAMIN b. 28 Feb. 1721, Harv. 1742, ord. in Manchester, Mass. 

1 1 Sept. 171.'). and died i'< .May. 1790. in his 7Uth year. 
TAPPAN. ENOCH S. M.D. b. 3 March, 17S2. Harv. 1801, is a physician in Au- 
gusta. .Me. 
TAPPA.V, DAVID b. May, 1784, Harv. 1804. 
TAPPAN. REV. BENJA.MIN b. Nov. 1788, Harv. 180.5, ord. in Angusta, 16 Oct. 1811. 



353 APPENDIX. 

TAPPAN, REV. DANIEL D. b. 20 Oct. 1798, Bowd. 1S22, ord. in Alfred, Me. 23 

April, IS-.'S, dismissed 2S Feb. 1832, and settled in N. Marshtield, 2.3 Jan. 1S39. 
T01'PA\, REV. CHRISTOPHER b. 15 Dec. 1070, Harv. KWl, ord. in Newbury, 9 

Sept. liino, and died 23 July. 1747. 
TOPPAN, EDMUND son o( Clirl«topher b. 7 Dec. 1701, Harv. 1720, was a physician 

in Hampton, and died 28 Nov. 1739, a§ed 38. 
TOPPAN, BEZALEEL brother to Edmund, b. 7 March, 170d, Harv. 1722, settled in 

Silem, anil died I7i'>2, a^'ed .57. 
TOPPAN. REV. AJIOS b. 7 Feb. 1730, Harv. 1758, ord. in Kingston, 1701, and died 

23 .Iiine, 1771. 
TENNF.Y, ALBERT G. MR. Bowil. 1S35, resides in Boston. 

TENNEY, REV. DAVID b. 1748, Harv. 1708, ord. IS Sept. 1771, in Barnngton, N. II. 

and died 1778. aged 30. 
THOMAS. THOMAS b. 20 Sept. 1773, Harv. 1790. 
THURSTON, JOHN MR. M. D. b. Harv. 1S07, died, 

TILTON, WARREN Harv. 1844. 

TrrCOMB. WILLIAM S. b.'23 Oct. 1781, Harv. ISOl, and died 28 June. 1831. 
TITCOMB, ISAAC Amh. 1830. 

TO.MPSON, SAMUEL b. 1 Sept. 1091, Harv. 1710, ord. in Gloucester, 2S Nov. 1716, 

and died 9 Dec. 1724. 
TRaCV, JOHN b. 19 April. 17.-)7. Harv. 1771. 
TUCKER, JOHN b. 11 Aug. 1753, Harv. 1774, was clerk of the court in Suffolk, and 

died 
TUCKER, BARNARD b. 2 April, 1700, Harv. 1779, was a physician in Wenham and 

died 24 Jan. 1832. 
TUCKER. REV. ED RICHARD b. 1 Feb. ISlfi, Dart. 1835. 

TUFT,S. REV. JOSHUA b. 4 Oct. 1710. Harv. 1730. ord in Litchfield, Dec. 1741. 
TYNG. DUDLEY A. MR. LL. D. b. 3 Sept. 17U0, Harv. 1781, and died 1 Aug. 1829, 

asjed 09. 
TYNG, REV. STEPHEN H. MR. prof, at Jefferson coll. Harv. 1817, is settled in 

Philadeliihia, in ihe church of the Epiphany. 
TYNG, GEORGE Harv. 1822. 

TYNG, REV. JAMES H. b. in Boston, Bowd. 1827, resides in Philadelphia. 
\V.\LSH. JOH.N Hirv. 1814, is a lawver in Kentucky. 

WEBBER. D. D. REV. SAIVtUEL b. 13 Jan. 1700, Harv. 1784, was tutor, profe.ssor, 

ami president of Hnrvard college 1800, and died 11 July. 1810. 
WEBBER, REV. JOHN biother to Samuel, b. 1 1 May,'l702, Dart. 1792, ord. in San- 
down. 1790, dismissed in 1800, settleit in Campion Feb 1812, dismissed 12 March, 

181.5, moved lo Porter, on the Sciolo, and was living in 1829. 
WEBSTER, REV. NICHOLAS b. 19 Oct. 107.3, Harv. 1095, preached in Manchester 

in 1700. 
WHEELWRIGHT, ISAAC W. b 1801, Bowd. 1821, formerly principal of an Acade- 

mv in Ne^vhiirvport, now of one in Quito, in S. America. 
WHEELWRIGHT, JOSEPH M. D. b. 29 Dec. 1791, Harv. ISll. 
W^HEELWRKiHT, WILLIAM \V. Harv. 1824. 

WHIPPLE, CHARLES K, b. 17 Nov. 1808. Amh. 1831. 

WILBUR. HARVEY M. D. Anih. 1SJ8, is a physician in Dana, Worces- 

ter CO. Mass. 
WILLIAMS. WILLIAM b. Aug. 1814, Bowd. 181.1 
WOART, REV. JONATHAN L. Harv. 1828, episcop. of Tallahasse, 

Flor. perished in Ihe Pulaski. June, 1838. 
WHITE. HON. PHILLIPS Harv. 1772, rep. U. S. cong. 

AVOOD. DAVID Harv. 1S14, a ship master. 

WOOn, REV. HORATIO b. 1 Dec. 1807, Harv. 1827, settled in Lowell. 
WOOD, BARTHOLOMEW Dart. 1811. 

W001).V1.\.\, REV. JOSEPH b. 1748, Nassau, 1700, ord. in Sanbornton, 13 Nov. 1771, 

and died 28 Sept. 1807. 
*WOO0BRIDGE, REV. TI.MOTHY b. 1G.3G, Harv. 1074, ord. in Haitlbrd. Conn. IS 

Nov. 1085. and died 30 April, 1732. 
*WOf)DBRID(.'E, REV. JOHN b. Harv. 1004, ord. in 1007, in Killingby, 

Ci'in, removed to Wetherslield, and was there installed. He dieil in 1093. 
WOODS, LEONARD jnn. b. 24 Nov. 1807, U. C. 1827, formerly prof of sacred lite- 

ralure in the Iheol. seminarv, Bingor, formerly editor of Lit. and Thool. Review, 

N. Y. appointed presiilent of Bowdoin College, Me. 1839. 
WOODBRIDGE, JOHN MR. Harv. 1710, died in Newbury, 13 Dec. 1731. 

He tau'dit the public school in Newbury many years. 
YOUNG, WILLIA.M Harv. "l810, died at sea. 



APPENDIX. 359 

The preceding catalogue is doubtless far from being complete, not- 
willislaiuliiig the pains that have been taken to make it as full and ac- 
curate as possible. Of so large a town as Novvbnry, from which so 
many families have emigrated to various parts of the country and tiie 
^vorld, and whose history comprehends a jicriod of more than two cen- 
turies, there arc probably many natives, entitled to a place in this cata- 
logue, whose names thus far have eluded my research. Deficient as 
it is, it contains the names of more than three hundred persons, which 
in point of numbers or intelligence, will bear comparison with those of 
any town in New England or the Union. Among them may be men- 
tioned the late judge Parsons, judge Lowell and his sons John Low- 
ell and Francis C. Lowell, president Webber, jnofessor Pearson, with 
many others who are also numbered with the dead. Among the liv- 
ing, arc three of the professors in Harvard university, the presidents 
of Bowdoin and Greenville colleges, and others, whom it might be 
deemed invidious to mention. Kor let any one suppose that the dis- 
tinguished sons of Newbuiy are confined to the ranks of those who 
have received a collegiate education. She lias contributed her full 
proportion of those, who, without the advantages of a liberal education, 
liave, both in civil and military life, done honor to themselves and their 
country. Kor will her philanthropists, her merchants, her scientific and 
practical mechanics, be forgotten, so long as Andover seminary and the 
city of Lowell remain as monuments of the munificence of Messrs. 
Brown and Bartlet, and the scientific skill of Messrs. Lowell and 
Moody. To do justice to the characters of such men who have passed 
from among the living, would require a volume, and even to enume- 
rate the results of the inventive genius of a Perkins, would occupy a 
larger space in this book than can be spared. A passing notice in its 
appropriate place, of these and many others, is all that ray limits will 
afford. 



CONCLUSION. 



On reviewing the preceding; pages, the intelligent reader will readily 
discover many omissions and deficiencies, which it is the object of these 
pages to supply as far as the limited space allotted me will permit. 
With materials on hand sutfieieut for another volume, I find no small 
difficulty in making from them a proper selection. To do this the more 
correctly, I shall follow the order of tune, and of course shall first allude 
to the Indians, so far as they are connected with the town of A'ewbun,'. 
From history, tradition, and the many specimens of arrow-heads, pestles, 
gouges, pipes, and hatchets, which have at various times been found in 
Mevvbury, it is evident this region was once the habitation and resort 
of many of them. Says Hubbard, page thirtieth, ' when the English first 
settled any jilantations along the coast since called New England, there 
were several nations of these Indians, that were in some kinds of 
confederacy one with another against some other of their potent neigh- 
bors, that were att enmity, and commonly they agreed to be at peace 
with those that spake the same language. Those that were seated 
more eastward about Pemmaquid and Kennebecke, were called 
Tarratines, betwixt whom and those that lived about Piscataqua, 
Merrimacke, and Agawani, now called Ipswich, had arisen some 
deadly feud, upon the accomi)t of .some treachery used by those west- 
ern Indians against the others ; so as every year they were afraid of 
being surprised by them, which made them upon every occasion to hide 
themselves among the Enfrlish, after they were settled in any of those 
places.' Thus we find in Winlhrop, volume first, page twenty-seventh, 
' Lord's day [June] thirteenth. In the morning the sagamore of 
Agawam and one of his men came aboard our ship and stayed all 
day.' Hubbard, also, page one hundred and thirtieth, says, 'the next 
morning Slasconomo with one of liis men came aboard, being the 
sagamore (which is the land pro[irietor) of that side of the country 
towards cape Anne, to bid them welcome.' So few in number was 
the tribe of this chieftain, that he gladly availed himself of the protec- 
tion of the English against the Tarranlines, of whom they stood in 
great fear. Agawam, at that time, comprehended the whole territory 
from Merrimac river on the north, to Naumkcag river on the south; 
from Cochichawick, now Andover, on the west, and to the sea-side on 
the east. Johnson styles it, 'the sagamoreship or earldom of Agawam, 
now by our English nation called Essex.' From this, and several 
Indian deeds I have seen, it appears that Agawam included the towns 
of Bradford, Boxford, Newbury, Rowley, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, 
and Beverly, and so forth, of which the Indian deed of Bradford calls 
Masconomo, Masconnomet, Muschanomit, alias Masquanomanit, alias 
46 



362 CONCLUSION. 

Maschanomet, alias John of Agawam, ' chief sagamore and native pro- 
prietor of the wliole Territory.' 

August eiglitli, 1631, says Wiuthroji, 'the Tarrantines, to the number 
of one huntlreil, came in three canoes autl in the night assauhed the 
wigwam of tlie sagamore of Agawam, slew seven men, and wounded 
John Sagamore [Masconomo] and James [of Saugus and some others 
(whereof some died after) and rifled a wigwam of Mr. Craddock's 
men, kept to catch sturgeon, and took away their nets and biscuit.' 

In December, 1634, the small pox prevailed among the Indians, and 
removed groat numbers. In some ])laces 'the English helped to bury 
whole fanulies and yet escaped the contagion.'* Thus the remnant of 
what the pestilence of 1617 had spared, the small pox of 1634 had 
nearly exterminated liefore the first white settler had pitched his tent 
within the limits of (Jaascacanrpien, which was the following spring. 
The lirst intimation that we have that any of the aboriginal inliabitants 
resided at this time in Jvewljury, has been mentioned, page fortieth, 
where lot sixty-one is granted lo ' John Indian.' That a few Indians re- 
sided in Newbury for some years after it was settled by the English, there 
is sufficient evidence, but the probaljility is that the number did not at 
any time exceed a dozen. In 16-50, April sixteenth, 'Great Tom, 
Indian, sold to the selectmen of Newbury all his right, title and interest 
in all the woods, commons and lands in Newbury together with his 
th*** t acres of planting land as it is fenced in one entire fence in 
Newbury lying near Indian Iiill.' I have as yet seen no other notice, 
either preceding or suljsequent, of 'John Indian or Great Tom.' See 
page tifty-tliird. Pcrha[]s John Indian was John Sagamore, alias 
Blasconomo ; but it is useless to speculate. In 1638, June twenty- 
eighth, Rlasconomo deeds to IMr. John Winthrop, for twenty pounds, 
'all the riglit, property and claim I have or ought to have, unto all the 
land, lying and being in the bay of Agawam, alias Ipswich, being so 
called now by the English, as well as such land, as I formerly reserved 
unto my own use at Chebacco, as al-M all ollirr land br/oiigiiis: to me in 
tlirse paiis, Mr. 'Dvm\mc<c's farm only excepted,' and so forth, ^'hv Mr. 
Dimimcr's farm, which had been granted him by the general court in 
1G35, and confirmed to him by the town, was excepted, or 'wliat 
arransement, if any, had been made, concerning the remaining jiart of 
Newbury township, I have no means of knowing. Tlie next intimation 
that I find of any Indians residing and owning land in Newbury, is the 
following : 

' At a general! court held in Boston, May twenty-second. IfiOl. 

' Whereas some Iii'lians as we are informed pretend an interest in some paits of the 
land of Henry Sevvall, which lioth at Newbury falls sometimes jMr. .John Spencer's, 
which lands were purchased of ye said Mr. Spencer and also have been confirmed hy 
the towne. It is tiierefore ordered hy ye court yt if it shall appear lo said Sewall yt 
ye saiil Indians or any other, have any legal riirht unto any part of ye said land, that ye 
said Henry Sewall shall hereby have liberty to purchase ye same of ye said Indians. 
Vera copia. 

'Edw.\rd R.iwsoN, Secretary.^ 

The Indians, to whom the preceding court order alluded, must have 
been the family of ' Old Will,' of whom in 161)3, March thirty-first, 
Eichard Dummer bought seven acres for X 10. Of him and liis fami- 

* Lewis. t This should probably be ' three.' 

4G 



CONCLUSION. o63 

ly I lonrn nothiri!^ farther till June eighteenth, 1G79, when one 'An- 
drew Pittimce, attorney lor Job, bronglit an action against IMr, Henry 
Sewall ' for detaining from the said Job about an IGO acres of land at 
iS'ewbury falls, that was the land of Old Will the said Job his grand- 
father.' As usual in such cases, testimony was taken on both sides. 
On June sixteenth, 1679, Daniel Denison thus writes to Henry Sewall. 
' I am desired by Job, (who married Old AYiU's grandchild, and in her 
right claims the land at Newbury falls, which he long possessed and 
now yoii say you purchased of him,) that you would make out your 
right and they will be satisfied, or otherwise let him or them have 
quiet possession, or otherwise let the law decide the title. I can give 
no advice but believe they will prove Old AVill and others long to have 
possessed land thereabouts and our law confirms their right to what 
they possessed. I shall trouble you no further, resting your loving 
friend.' On June twenty-first, Thomas Brown testifies in favor of 
Mr. Sewall. In favor of Job I copy the following depositions. 

'The deposition of Moses Bradstreet and Alice Homes. 

' These deponents testitieth and saith that ahoute I'oure ycre ajo, the spring of the 
year before the warre begune thaye harde olde Wil injcin of Newbury fales complain- 
ing that mister Shovvel ions;ed him, and that he had K"' his lande and cept it from 
him. Jtoses Bradstreet asked Wil if he had not soulde his lande to blister Showell, 
he Slid no. he never had resaved wone farthin of Master Showell for his land.' 

' Allis Homes further saith that she lived with Mr. Dummer and knew that Old 
Will lived and planted at the falls for many yeares till Mr. Sewall's tattle worried him 
out, and that Mr. Uiimmer was desirous to buy old Will's land, but old Will sayd he 
was not Willi nsr to sell it from his children. 

'June 23, 1C7'.). Sworne to betbre me 

D. De.nison. 

' The deposition of John Todd aged about 5S years. 

' This deponent saith that several times he heard Old ' Will (so called) Indian com- 
plaine that -Mr. Showel of Newbury had taken away in his possession a great part of 
his land at Newbury falls, which complaint was before the late wars with the Indians, 
at which complaint this deponent saith that he was much troubled and grieved at it 
That an old Indian should so complaine of such Injury done hiin by any Ennlish. 
He further saith he knew Old Will lived above Newbury falls above live and thirty 
years since, and that for the most of that time he lived there.' 

' Sw'orne before me Juno 23, lC7ti, 

Daniel Deniso.n.' 

How this case was decided, if decided at all in court, I am not in- 
formed, but from two subsequent deeds that I have seen, it appears 
that the claims of Old Will's heirs were considered valid, as in 1681, 
May fourteenth, Henry Sewall buys for £20 of ' Job Indian, grand- 
child, Hagar Indian, and Mary Indian, daughters to Old Will Indian, 
late of Newbury Falls deceased, the Indian field, containing by esti- 
mation one hundred and sixty acres be it more or less together witli 
all their land in Newbury bounds thoiigh without ye said lines, and 
so forth, and that no other Indians can lay any rightful claim thereto.' 

From these and other pafiers it apjiears that in 166:3, there was in 
Newbury but one Indian family, and that was the family of Old Will, 
which consisted of hiiuself, wife and three daughters, Hagar, Mary, 
and Kale, who had probably married out of town. From the Ijiswich 
records it appears that Alasconomo the sagamore of Agawain, was liv- 
ing in February, 1656, as they say ' left to the seven men to grant to 
the sagamore six acres of planting land, where they shall appoint, for 



364 CONCLUSION. 

to plant, but not propriety to anyone but himself.' In 1658, June eigh- 
teenth, the town ' granted to the sagamore's widow, to enjoy that par- 
cel of land, which her husband had fenced in, during the tune of her 
widowhood.' This gives us nearly the time when Masconomo died. 
His widow was living in 1C76, aged sixty-eight. From the testimony 
of Peckanaminet, alias Ned Acocket, alias Old Ned of I|)swich, who 
was sixty-eight in 1G7G, Old Will was then living, but had deceased 
before 1G79. From a report made to the legislature of Massachusetts 
in 1G76, it appears ' that there were at and about Ipswich eight men 
and seventeen women and children, Indians, and Wonolanset's cona- 
pauy at Dunstable about sixty persons.' 

After the death of Old Will it is probable that his A^mily removed 
from the town, as I find no recorded intimation of any native Indians 
residing in Newbury sidisequent to that period, with the exception of 
' Gasper Megonicr,' who, on rrocords say, died December eighth, 1707. 
There is a tradition that an Indian squaw was living near Indian Hill 
for a few years after jMr. Samuel Poor bought land and moved there, 
which as near as I can ascertain, was not far from 1705. 

I hear nothing further of any Indians in Newbury, or of any claims 
set up by any of them for any land in Newbury till the year 1700, 
when the grand-children of Masconomo the sagamore of Agawam laid 
claim to the whole ' sagamoreship or earldom of Agawam, now by our 
English called Essex,' which was lying between Bass and Meriinac 
rivers, and had not been already sold. This claim was allowed by the 
inhabitants, and deeds were given to the towns of Bradford, Eoxford, 
Newbury, Manchester, Gloucester, Beverly, and so forth. Gage's his- 
tory of ilowley contains the deeds to Bradford and Boxford, both of 
which contain the following sentence, ' Whereas divers Englishmen, 
many years since in the life time of the said Masquonomonit alias 
Miischonoinit, ami bif and witk //is kaotclcdsc, and license anil good 
likins, dill enter vpim subdue and improre an English plantation, and so 
forth.' These deeds are very long and arc signed by ' Samuel Eng- 
lish, Joseph English, and John Umpee, grandchildren, and the next 
true, rightful and lawful heirs of Masquonomonit' and so ibrth. The 
deed to Newbury is as follows. 

'To all peopip to whom those presents sliall come Samuel English, grandson and 
heir of Maschanomet the Saijamore ot Agawam. an Indian in the Province of ye Mas- 
sachusetts in New England, sencteth yreelini;; Know ye said Samuel Enghsh good 
and suflicient reasons moving him thereto, but especially for and in consideration of 
ye full and just snmme of .t-'li) in Current money of New England truly paid unto me 
by Cutting Noyes, .Tohn Knight, Richar<l Dole. John Worth and .loseph I'lke. select- 
men of ye town of Newlmiy in ye Connlv of Esse.K in ye Massachusetts Bay in 
New England, in ye helialfe of saiil town of Newbury, wherewith 1 ye said Samuel 
ICnglish doe hereby acknowledge myself fully satislied and paid and content forever 
have given, granted, bargained, sold and conlirmed and doe by these presents for my 
heirs, e.xeculnrs, administrators and assigns forever give, grant, bargain sell and con- 
firm unto ye abovesaid selectmen in the behalfe and for the use and propriety of said 
towne and their heirs forever, a tract of land containing tODOll acres be it more or less 
lying within ye tnwneship of said Newbury and containeth the whole towneship of 
.said town and is ahulled and bounded, East by ye sea North and North West by Mer- 
rimac river West by Bradford line and South by Ro\\ley line together with all ye 
wood, timber, lands, grounds, soyles, waters, streams, riveis. ponds, huntings, iishings, 
sinnes. mines, minerals, hereditaments and all ye appurtenances lielonging to ye same 
and to every part thereof within said towneship to have and to hold to tliem ye said 
Cutting Noyes, John Knight, Richard Dole, John Worth and Joseph Tike selectmen in 
ve name and behalfe and for ye use, benejit. and behoole of said town of Newbury and 
their heirs, e.tecutors, administrators and assigns in peaceable and quiet possession 



CONCLUSION. 365 

forever freely and clearly acquitting and discharging all, and from all, manner of 
claims and demands whatsoever, and further I ye said Samuel English doe hereby 
covenant, promise and grant to and with ye said selectmen in ye hehalfe of said lowne 
that at. and until, ye unsealing and delivery of these presents, I had lull power and 
lawful authority to grant and convey ye ahovesaid premises with ye appurtenances 
and every pari thereof as aforesaid, it descending to me Irom Maschaiiomet Sagamore 
as aforesaid and I ve said Samuel English shall and will forever hereafter lully and 
freely release and relinquish my whole right and title thereunto and every pait Iheieof 
hereby binding myselfe, heirs, executors and administrators tbiever (o defend ye said 
seleclmen and ye town of said Newbury m their possession of all ye above granted 
and specified premises and their heirs lorever Irom ye lawful claimes of all persons 
whatsoever in any manner of wise and I ye said Samuel English have heielo set my 
hand and seal this tenth day of January iTUl in the 12th year of our Sovereign Lord 
William ye yd King over England. 

Samuel English and a seal. 

Samuel English ye surviving heir of Maschanomet ye Sagamore of Agawam ap- 
peared before us ye subsciibers ye 10th day of January in ye lUth year of his Alajes- 
tie's reign Anno Domini IIOI and acknowledged ye above written instrument to be 
his act and deed before 

Daniel Pierce) Just. 

Thomas Noves J Pacis. 

The preceding account embodies all the authentic informalion con- 
cerning the Indians of Newbury that I have been able to find, suitable 
for publication. There are various traditions concerning them, some 
of which are probably correct, while others cannot be true. To one 
of these traditions I shall allude in another jiluce. Of the Indians ia 
New Enijland Hubbard, page tliirtieth, thus sjieaks : 'Betwixt Kenne- 
becke and Connecticut were observed to bee about twenty societies 
or companeyes of these salvages, when the Engli.sh first came upon 
this coast. 1. at Kenncbecke. 2. Casco bay. 3. Saco. 4. Piscataqua. 
5. Merrimacke. 6 The river of Newberry, att the falls of which was a 
noted plantation of them, by reason of tlie ])lenty of fish that almost 
at all seasons of the yeere used to be found there, both in winter and 
summer. 7. Alt Agawam, called now Ipswich, was another noted and 
desirable place, for plenty of several sorts of fish found there in time of 
vecrc, both at the harbor's mouth siicll fisli of all sorts, and other kinds 
higher up the stream, and to which belonged those of Neivbeny falls, 
that lyes in tlie midway betwixt Merrimack and Agawam.' 

These Indians were called Aberginians, and however large the 
population in this region might once have been, it is certain that from 
various causes the race had become nearly extinct, when the white 
population had determined to occupy the territory thus juovidenlially 
vacated, and it was with ' the knowledge, license and good liking' of 
the few that remained, that the first settlers of Newbury look posses- 
sion of this then howling wilderness, now the comfortable aljode of 
civilization and all its countless blessings. The ' goodly heritage' that 
we now enjoy is the fruit of privations, sufferings and labors almost 
tmexaniplcd, and to those who were tlie pioneers in the subjugation of 
this rude and rocky region we owe a debt of gratitude whicli we can 
in no other way rejiay than by transmitting to posterity the precious 
legacy which we now inherit. Rightly to estimate its value we 
should know its cost, and be able in some good degree to appreciate 
the sacrifices made by our forefathers. In order therefore to have a 
better idea of the difficulties they encountered, let us examine a little 
more minutely than we have done, their qualifications for the task 
before them. For the purpose of illustration the first settlers of New- 



366 CONCLUSION. 

1)11 ly may be conveniently divided into three classes, viz. 1. The 
rich and edncatcd gentlemen, who by birth or profession were entitled 
to the ap|)ellation of Mr. 2. Tiie artizans or mechanics, who had 
emigrated from the populons towns in various parts of England, but 
]irinci|)ally from Wiltshire, and 3. The yeomen, or farmers, laborers 
and servants. Of such men the first settlers of Newbury were com- 
j)osed, and the appearance of the first com|>any as they ascended the 
river (iuascacumpien, to lake possession of their new home, accoutred 
as they were in the [)eculiar costume of that day, could we now wit- 
ness it, woukl be indeed a curiosity. To them with a slight variation 
llie words of the ])00t would be truly tii>[)lieable, 

"Tweie worth whole years of modem life, 
One glance of their array.' 

Before them was an unbroken wilderness, covered with a forest, the 
heavy growth of centuries, which, with the exception of the I'cw 
patches of corn ground, once cullivatccl by the Jndians, had to be 
cleared away before they could raise even the necessaries of life. On 
witnessing the suH'erings and privations of this band of voluntary ex- 
iles, most of whom had been accustomed to the privileges, convenien- 
ces, and even luxuries of their father-land, and many of whom had 
brought with them their rich dresses, and .-silver ]ilate, making a strik- 
ing contrast with their log habitations and their rustic fare, the inquiry 
would naturally arise, 

' What sonijht thpy thus afar ? 
Bri;;lit jewpLs of the mine? 
I'lie wealth of seas? the spoils of war? 
They sou^jlit a pure faith's shrine.' 

This was the mainspring of all their movements, the secret of their 
indomitable perseverance, the guarantee of their success. Of those 
qualities, deemed essential to the establishment and perpetuation of 
the rights and )irivileges of a people determined to be free, our ances- 
tors had their full ])ropor1ion. With a firmness amounting sometimes 
even to obstinacy, and a foresight, for which we should ever feel 
grateful, they assisted in laying the foundation of those institutions, 
which the lapse of more than two centuries has left widiout any ma- 
terial change. In substance their municipal and ecclesiastical regula- 
tions were the same then that they are now, subject only to those 
incidental variations and imiiroveinents conser|uent upon the increase 
of wealth, knowledge, and refinement. In one respect the church at 
]Vewbury was more liberal than any of the neighboring churches. 
Says Lechford in 1G12, ' of late some churches are of opinion that 
any may be admitted to cluuch fellowship, that are not extremely 
ignorant and scandalous, but this they are not very forward to practise 
exccjit. at. Nvichuiy.' The difficulties that occurred between them and 
Mr. Parker concerning church government, have already been inen- 
tioned, and no careful reader can have failed to notice that dining the 
whole of their twenty-five years controversy with Mr. Parker, they at- 
tended his ministrations with Ihe greatest regularity, added new seats 
in the meeting house to accommodate the increasing niunberof wor- 
shipers, and paid his salary without hesitation at the \-ery time tliey 
had suspendetl him from his office of ruling elder, Init had with great 



CONCLUSION. 367 

condescension granted him liberty ' as a gifted brother, to preach for 
tlie edilicatioii of the church if he pleased.' See page eighty-second. 
In their mode of public worship, they differed but little from llieir 
successors. Tlie psalms were simg in regular order, from the first to 
the last, four on each sabbath. The precentors sat in the pews near 
the deacons' seat in front of the pulpit. A contribution was made 
every sabbath afternoon, one of the deacons saying, ' brethren, now 
there is time left for contribution, wherefore, as God hath prospered 
you, so freely offer.'* Says Jocclyn, 'on Sundays P. M. when sermon 
is ended, the people in the gallery come down and march two and two 
abreast up one ile and down another, imtil they come before the desk, 
for i)ul|)it they have none. Before the desk is a long pue, where the 
elders and deacons sit, one of them with a money box in his hand, in 
which the people as they pass put their olferings, some one shilling, 
some two shilhngs, or a half crown or five shillings according to their 
ability, and good will, after this they sing a psalm.' This custom of 
taking a collection every sabbath was omitted, says Mr. Felt, in 1763. 
In addition to the care of the contribution box, the deacons had every 
sabbath the charge of the hour-glass, which was set running at the 
commencement of the sermon, which was hardly considered satisfac- 
tory, if it were not continued till the sands of an hour had ceased 
rutming. Sometimes the horologe was again turned, and the thirsty 
congregation invited ' to take another glass.' To this custorn, Mr. 
Shepard, of Lynn, thus alludes : ' thou art restless till the tiresome 
glass be run out and the tedious sermon be ended.' In their mode of 
living, they dilfered in many resjiects from us. For nearly a century 
after Newbury was settled, the inhabitants had never used or seen 
either tea. collee, or potatoes. As a substitute, they used bean and 
pea porriilge, broth, hasty pudding and milk, both morning and evening, 
and itntiips in abundance. In tlie county records of 1G.57, I find the 
following : ' Steven Dow did acknowledge to him it was a good while 
before he could eate his masters ibod viz. meate and milk or drinke 
beer, saying he did not know it was good, becau.se he was not used to 
eat such victuall, but to eate bread and water porridge and to drink 
water.' Large quantities of barley were raised, and malt was a staple 
article, and for many years after the first settlement, excellent crops of 
wheat were raised. The common beverage was beer, till the growth 
of their orchards enabled them to subslitule cider, the consumption of 
which has of late years been very much diminished. Of fish, they 
had an abundance, especially sturgeon, cod-fish and bass, of which the 
two latter were used, not only for food, btit to manure Iheir corn-fields, 
till forbidden by law in 1639. Though living near the ocean, there 
does not appear to have been among the original settlers, for manv years, 
but two ]iersons, who were at all aeijuaintcd with nautical alliiirs, till 
A(]iiila Chase was hired in 1616, to remove from Hampton to this 
place, for the pm-poses already mentioned. The inconveniences of 
their want of foresight in laying out the highway called Water street, 
in what is now Newburyport, are felt to this day, the road being laid 
out only two rods in width, while in all other ))arts of the town, the high- 
ways were from four to seven rods wide. From many other consider- 
ations, it is also evident that nearly all the first settlers were not a 

* Lechford. 



363 CONCLUSION. 

maritime people, and therefore did not appreciate their commercial 
advantages. Of the ninety-one grantees of Newbnry, two were 
clergymen, eight were 'gentlemen,' two or three had been bred as 
merchants, one maltster, one physician, one schoolmaster, one sea- 
captain, one mate of a ship, one dyer, one glover, three or four tanners, 
seven or eight shoemakers, two wheelwrights, two blacksmiths, two 
' linnen weavers,' two weavers, one cooper, one saddler, one sawyer, 
and two or three carpenters. Of the remainder, only a few are styled 
yeomen. 

Such were the men, who commenced and accomplished the task of 
subduing this part of the American wilderness, here planted the tenth 
church in Massachusetts, and covered these delightful hills and valleys, 
once the gloomy abode of savages and wild beasts, with the evidence 
and result of untiring industry and patient perseverance, with all that 
is agreeable in civilization, and consoling in Christianity. That the first 
settlers of New England in general, and of JN'ewbury in jiarticular, 
possessetl the fullest confidence in the righteousness of their principles, 
and tliat their design to ]ilant the standard of the cross in this heathen 
land met the approbation of their heavenly Father, who would grant 
success to their undertaking, there is abundant evidence. The first 
judge Sewall, whose father was one of the most distinguished pioneers 
in the settlement of Newbury, thus speaks in his ' New Heaven upon 
the New Earth,' under date of U)97, in answering the objections of 
those, who asserted that there was 'an imposibility of subsisting here :' 
' It is remarkable that Mr. [Thomas] Parker, who was a snccessfidl 
Schoolmaster at Ncivhunj in Barksldrr, m the happy days of Doctor 
[William I Twisse; was much alioat this time [lG3-i] preaching 
and proving at Ipswich in Essex [Mass.] That the passeui^ers came 
over upon good Grounds, and that God woidd multiply them as he did 
tlie children of Israel. His text was Exodus 1 : 7. And the children 
of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and 
■waxed exceeding mighty; and the laud was filled with tliem. As 
Mr. Nicholas Xoi/cs, who was an Aiiditor, and is yet living, lately 
informed me, Mr. Parker was at this time. Idol, )u-incipally concerned 
in beginning Ncwburi/, where the learned and Ingenious Mr. Benjamin 
Woch'lhridixe, Doctor Twisse s Successor had part of his Education luider 
his Uncle Parker. Man/ Brown [now Godfrey[ the first-born of 
Newbury is yet alive ; and is become the Mother and Grandmother of 
many children. And so many have been born after her in the Town, 
that they make three or four large Assemblies, wherein God is solemnly 
worshipped every Sabbatli. And 

' As long as Plum /v/«??f/ shall faithfully keep the commanded Po.st ; 
Notwithstanding the hectoring words aiul hard J^lows of the proud and 
boisterous Ocean ; As long as any Salmon, or Sliu'seon shall swim in 
the streams of Merrimack : or any Perch, or Pickeril in Crane Pond : 
As long as the Sea Fowl shall know the Time of their coming, and 
not neglect seasonably to visit the Places of their Acquaintance; As 
long as any Cattel shall be fed with the Grass growina: in the Meadows, 
which do humbly bow themselves before Turkic- Hill ; As long as any 
Sheep shall walk upon OhI -Town Hills, xmi\ shall from thence pleas- 
antly look down u]ion the River Parker, nwA the fruitful Marishes Iving 
beneath ; As long as any free and harmless Doves shall find a White 
Oak or other Tree within the Township, to perch, or feed, or build a 



CONCLUSIOiN. 369 

careless Nest upon ; and shall voluntarily present themselves to per- 
form the office of Gleaners after Barley- Harvest ; As long as Nature 
shall not grow Old and dote ; but shall constantly remember to give 
the rows of Indian Corn their education, by Pairs; So long shall 
Christians be born there; and being first made meet, shall from thence 
be Translated to be made jiartakers of the Inheritance of the Saints 
in Light. Now, seeing the Inhabitants of Ncichury, and of New 
Englatul, upon the due Observance of their Tenure, may expect that 
their Piich and gracious LORD will continue and confirm them in the 
Possession of these invaluable Privileges : Let 7is have srace, ivherelnj 
ice may serve God acceptably with Reverence and godly Fear, For our 
God is a consuming Fire Hebrews 12 : 28, 29.' 

The anticipations of the good old man, thus quaintly expressed, have, 
I trust, thus far been realized, though sheej) no longer walk on ' Old- 
town hills,' and ' barley harvest' has ceased to be. The ' three or four 
large assemblies,' in 1697, have increased to seventeen, as maybe seen 
by the following tables, containing the names of the pastors in the 
churches in Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury. 



47 



370 



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DANIEL DANA, D. D. 

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JOHN PROUDFIT. D. D. 
JONATHAN F. STEARNS, 



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374 CONCLUSION. 

METHODIST CHURCHES. 

There arc llircc inctliodist churches in ancient Newbury. The first 
was erected in Adcli)hi street, Newbury, in lb2.3. Their iirst preacher 
was reverend Joint Adams, who commenced his labors in Ibl9. Oa 
June twentieth, lt-27, a church of fifteen persons was organized in 
Newbury^iorl by reverend B. Otheman, and their meeting-house dedi- 
cated the same day- It stands on the site of the first baptist meeting- 
house in Liberty street. There is another raethodist meeting-house 
in West Newbury. The ju'eacher in charge at Adelphi street, is the 
reverend Horace Moulton, from IMonson, Mass. The reverend Brad- 
ford K. Peircc, a native of Royalton, Vt, a graduate in 1611 from the 
Wesleyan university, ofiiciates in Liberty street chmx-h. In Ibol, one 
hundred and fifty persons were added to the cluu-cli. 

UNIVEKSALIST CHURCH, 31IDDLE STREET. 

The nniversahst society was incorporated in 1^3-5, their meeting- 
house in Middle street was built in 1&40, and dedicated in October of 
the same year. Their clergymen have been the reverend Woodbury M. 
Fernald, from Portsmouth, N. 11, reverend Darius Forbes, and the reve- 
rend Edwm A. Eaton, from (iloucesler, I\Iass., who is their j)rcscnt pastor. 

The preceding notices of the ecclesiastical affairs of Newbury are 

thus chronologically [jrescnted to supply the deficiencies in the former 

part of the Ijool^;. A brief sketch of some of the principal actors in 

the religious and secular concerns of the town with a few incidental 

remarks, is aU that my limits will allow. Prominent among these was 

the reverend Thomas Parker. He was the only son of the reverend 

'renowned Ptobcrt Parker, one of the greatest scholars in the English 

nation.'* He was admitted into Magdalen college, Oxford, but after 

the exile of his father, he removed unto Dublin, and studied under 

doctor Usher, thence he went to Holland, ' where doctor Ames favored 

him.' At the age of twenty-two, seventeen years before he came to 

America, he wrote and published a treatise on repentance, eittitled ' De 

tradactione peccatoris ad vitam,' which was highly celebrated. He also 

wrote several volumes on the prophecies, of -which only one on Daniel 

was published. After his return to England, he taught 'the free school 

in Newberry.' 'From thence removing with several devout christians 

out of Wiltshire, into Ncia England, he was ordained their paator, at a 

town, on his and their account called Nncberry, where he lived many 

years, by the liolimxs, Ihe hnmhiencss, the charity, of his life, giving his 

jieople a perpetual and most lively commentary on his doctrine. 't ' He 

was a person of most extensive charity; which grain of his temper 

might coulribute imto that largeness in his princii)les about church 

!sovcrnmrnl, which exposed him unto many temptations, amongst his 

neighbours, who wore not so jirincipled.' t Mather thus concludes his 

notice of him. ' He went unto the immortals in the month of April, 

lf>77, about the eighty-second year of his age ; and after he had lived 

all his days a sinsic man, but a great part of his days engaged in apoc- 

o'lqitical stnilics, he went unto the o.jiocahff^tical virgins, who Ibllow the 

Lamb whithersoever he goes.' Says his nephew, the reverend Nich- 

* Cotton Mather. t Cotton JNlather's Magnalia. 



CONCLUSION. • 375 

olas Noyes, ' he kept a school, as well as preached, at Neivbitn/, in Neio 
Eiisland. He ordiuarily had about 12 or li scholars. He took no pay 
for liis pains, unless any present were freely sent him. Though he was 
blind, yet such was his memory, that he could in his old age teach 
Latin, Greek and Hebrew, very artitieially.' Tradition states, ' that 
some ministers, being dissatisfied with some of his opinions, came to 
reason with him on those subjects ; they addressed him in English, he 
replied in Latin ; they followed him in Latin, he retired to Greek, and 
to Hebrew ; they pursued ; but in Arabic he stopped them. He then 
refused to be examined by them.' * 

Mr. James Noyes, who was settled as teacher in Newbury with Mr. 
Parker as pastor, was the son of a minister, who married a sister of 
Mr. Robert Parker, and was, of course, a nephew of Mr. Thomas 
Parker. ' They taught in one school [in England ;] came over in owe 
shi]) ; were pastor and teacher of owe c/f^/c/;,,- and Mr. Parker continuing 
always in celibacy, they lived in one house, till death separated them 
for a time.' t 

For a few years after the settlement of the town, their residence 
was on the west side of the lower green, but, on the removal of the 
meeting-house, Mr. Noyes built a house in what is now called Parker 
street. It is still standing, and owned by one of his descendants, Mr. 
Silas Noyes, and is one of the oldest houses in Newbury. Of Mr. 
James Noyes, his uncle Parker thus writes : 

' Mr. James Noyes, my worthy collea2;iie in the ministry of the gospel, was a man of 
siiii^ular qualitications, in piety e,vce!iing, an implacable enemy to all heresie and 
schism, and a most able warriour against the same. He was of a reaching and ready 
apprehension, a large invention, a most profound judgment, a rare and tenacious, and 
comprehensive memory, ti.xed and unmovable in his grounded conceptions; sure in 
words and speech without rashness : gentle and mild in all his expressions, without all 
passion or provoking language. And as he was a notable disfputant, so he never would 
provoke his adversary, saving by the short knocks and heavy weight of argument. He 
was of so loving, and compassionate, and humble carriiiiie, that I believe never were 
any acquainted with him, but did desire the continuance of his society and acquaint- 
ance. He was resolute for truth, and in defence thereol". had no respeci to any persons. 
He was a most excellent counsellor in doubts, and could strike at an hair's breadth, 
like the Bcnjamilis, and e.xpedite the entangled out of the briars. He was courageous 
in dangers, and still was apt to believe the best, and made fiir weather in a slorm. He 
was much honored and esteemed in the country, and his death was much bewailed. 
I think he may be reckoned among the greatest worthies of the age.'t 

In reference to the celibacy of Messrs. Parker and his nephew, the 
reverend Nicholas Noyes, of Saletn, some person thus speaks. ' r^alcm, 
December thirteenth, 1717. A specimen of New England cehbacy. 

' Though Rome blaspheme the marriage bed 
And vows of single life has bred 
Chaste Parker, Stoughlon, Hrinsmade, Noyea, 
Show us the odds 'twixt force and choice. 
These undefiled contracted har, 
Are gone to heaven and married thcrc.^ 

Next in order comes Mr. John Woodbridce, son of the reverend 
John Woodbridge who married a daughter of Robert Parker. ' Our 

* Reverend doctor Popkin. t Magnalia. 



a76 CONCLUSION. 

young Woodbridge with the consent of his parents, undertook a voyage 
to New England in the year 1634 ; and the company and assistance of 
his worthy uncle Mr. Thomas Parker, was not the least encouragement 
of his voyage.'* He was then twenty-two years of age, and bronght 
with him a younger brother Benjamin, of whom see page 350. His 
farm was north of Green street, Newbury, and his house stood on the 
east side of the pond on the upper green. In 1G41 he married Mercy 
Dudley, a daughter of governor Thomas Dudley. He was ordained 
September sixteenth, 1041, the fu-.st minister of Andover, and was the 
first teacher ever ordained in this country. In 1G47 he relumed to 
England, where all his children but ilie trrst two were born, and 
preached in Andover and other places, till his return to Newbury, July 
twenty-sixth, 16G3, and here preached for a short lime. Of his eleven 
adidt children, three, John, Timothy, and Benjamin, were clergymen, 
and of his descendants, forty-three by the name of Woodbridge have 
received a liljeral education. For his eulogy see Mather's Magnalia. 
His wife Mercy died July tirst, 1G91, aged seventy. No moninnents to 
the memory of these distinguished men are now to be found in the 
burying ground where their dust reposes. On the monument erected 
iu memory of the successor of Mr. Parker, is the following inscription. 

' A Resurrection to immortality — is here expected — for what was mortal — of the 
Reverend Mr. John Richakdson (once Fellow of Harvard College, afterwards Teach- 
er to the Church of Newbury) putt ofi' Apr. 27 lOOG in the fiftieth year of his age. 

'When Preachers dy, the Rules the pulpit eave. 
To live well are still preached from the grave. 
The Faith St Life, which your dead Pastor taught 
In one grave with him, Syrs bury not. 

' Abi, Viator. 
A MoTtno disce vivere morittirns 
E Terris disce cogitare de Ccslis.' 

Or in English : ' Go, Traveler : From the dead learn to live, as one 
that must die. From the earth learn to think of the Heavens.' 

He married Mary Pierson, of Cambridge, October twenty-eighth, 
1G73. 

On the monument of his successor is the following. 

' Here lyes the Body of the Rev. Mr. Ciietstopher Topp.^n, Master of Arts, fourth 
Pastor of the First Church in Newbury; a Gentleman of good Learning, conspicuous 
Piety and Virtue, shining both by his Doctrine and Life, skilled and greatly improved 
in the Practice of Physick and Surgery, who deceased July 23, 11-17, in the 76th year 
of his age and the 51st of his Pastoral Office.' 

Dr. Toppan was a man of talents, energy and decision of character, 
and 'would speak his mind.* A specimen of this latter trait may be 
seen on page 213. Other instances might be given, but I shall men- 
tion only one. A Mr. and his wife once presented a child for 

baptism. Not having confidence in the man's sincerity, he addressed 
tije congregation in these words, while performing the rite, ' I baptize 
this child wholly otr the woman's account.' In the latter part of his 
life he was at times partially deranged, and on one occasion, as I have 
been credibly informed, carried a whip into the church under his cloak, 

* Mather's Magnalia. 



CONCLUSION. 377 

in order, as he said, to scourge out the enthusiasts, or ' schemers,' aa 
lie called them, during the period of the excitement at the time of the 
' great revival' and its incidental extravagancies. On one occasion ho 
sent the following note of thanks to the olhciating clergyman of the 
parish. It is accurately copied from the original, and was probably- 
written during a period of partial derangement. 

' Christopher Toppan desires to return thanks to God for his goodness to him in 
preserving of him, when the Devil cast a mist before his and his horse's eyes, throw- 
ing of him down, being in great danger, butt God in his good providence and his 
Angels gaiding of him out of the hand of llie Devil, and after this I could not rest 
night nor day thinking of it what the Cause should be till Fryday morning it VN'as re- 
vealed to me that it was because I oposed that great work of the Devil. It seemed 
that the voyce came to me and said I need not Iruble myself, it was that Devil did it 
and Deseaved all llie people, and now 1 hope God will enable me to oppose that great 
work of the Devil and the Instruments of it more than ever I did.' 

The following hitherto unpublisiicd letter, written much earlier, is 
inserted as a better specimen of the anthor's style. It was addressed 
to judge Sewall. 

Ave. 11." 1721. 
'Hon. Sir. 

' Please to pardon my boldness for troubling you to read a few lines more. That 
expressiou in my writing, which your Honor intimated, you did not well understand, 
namely, 'I'hat the Indians should have convenient Lands allowed ym for themselves 
and posterity, I meant thus, that in case it be found that the Indians fomierly disposed 
of so much of their Land as that they have not left Lands convenient for themselves, 
that then so much.as may be thought proper, of what was purchased of them should 
be relinquished to them again. Further to open what I intend I would offer a few 
things. 

' 1. That the Indians were the first Proprietors of the Lands in this Country. 

'■J. That they had in themselves pov^'er to dispose of and convey away said Lands. 

'3. That what lands they formerly sold and conveyed away they can ha\e no just 
claim unto. Now 1 make no doubt but as your Honor says, they have as full and (irm 
a Right to their Lands, as any which men have to theirs, but then I presume your 
Honor means, L'inds they have not sold. 

■4. That if Ihrougji Imprudence and Inadvertency they have conveyed av\'ay so 
much of their Land to the English, as that, if what be conveyed away, be taken up 
and settled by the English, there be not convenient places left for Iheinsilves and pos- 
terity, I think it very agreeable to Reason and Religion, that the Government take care 
that such places as may be thought convenient lie allowed them and Recompense 
made to such Persons (whose Predecessors formerly purchased said Land of the 
Indians) of Province Lands elsewhere. 

■ ■'). That the Government, having offered and done what may reasonaWy be thought 
just and fair on tliis score, that then, if the Indians continue their Insolent Carriages, 
the English may justly commence a warr against them and expect God's blessing to 
be with them in their Endeavours to subdue them, and in the mean time, that the En- 
glish in the Eastern parts may be secure and safe I see no way but for the Government 
to keep out some hundreds of men, or a sufficient number to keep the Indians in awe 
till the People are become strong enough to deicnd themselves, which they would in a 
few years be, were they compelled to settle regularly, and secured fiom leai and dan- 
ger by a sufficient Army kept in a body in thosi^ parts well provided with snow-shoes 
for the Winter and a sulllcient number of whale-boats lor passage by water in the 
Summer — but let me not forget to mention here that I can but think it a duty to make 
a further offer of the Gospel to them and by degrees to Instill into their minds the true 
Doctrines of Religion, doubtless some of them might be gained, more especially if the 
Fryers could be fairly removed from among tliem. 1 went the last .'spring to the 
Eastward and being at Damariscotta on a Sabbath d.'iy. there a Family iheic and 
several Persons bcsiiles, I preacht to them both forenoon and afternoon, and there being 
hard by an Indian wigwarn, belonging to it a Netop and his sijuaw, be about seventy^ 
and she near an hundred years of age, not able to stand or goc, both maintained by a 
Kinsman, a young pretty fellovi', who went a hunting and returned once a week or fort- 
nij^ht and brought them provisions to live upon — The old Sannop came of his •wn 
accord on the Sabbath day to hear the word pieaclit and gave diligent attention. The 

48 



37S CONCLUSION. 

Bubject I insisted on was that in Romans ]0. 13. ' And whosoever shall call on the name 
of the Lord shiU bo saved' and in the application I applyed myself to the Indian, 
shewing that their nation if they call aright on the name of the Lord should be saved 
as vs'ell as the En2;lish. The next day I went to his Wigwam. He told me 'very 
good speLik-um yesterrlay ' and desired me to speak to his squaw 'all one I speak 
yesterday for that very good.' — I went several times to his Wigwam and gave 
tiie best advice I could to the poor old Woman. She seemed to understand 
what I snid. hut was not seemingly so much affected therewith as her husband. The 
day I came away he came on board the vessel and prayed me to goe once more to his 
Wigwam and speak to his old Squaw about God and Christ and Heaven, for may be, 
me never see her any more. So I went agiin and at my coming away, the old man 
took me by the hand e.Kpressing a great deal of thankfulness for the counsel and advice 
I had given his Sijunw. In my discourse with the old man I used to mention and 
open the Articles of the Christian Religion, which he always readily assented unto, 
anil I am persuaded that by pruilent methods in managing of them s\indry of them 
might be wrought upon, and amongst other methods I have thought — but why should I 
presume to dictate to any, who know much better than my%!U' what will best serve the 
Interests of our gracious Lord, in whose service that I may be found faithful, let me 
have your prayers, as you have his, who is. Sir, your most humble servant, 

Christopher Toppan.' 

To the iliirieiillies wliich atti^niled niid followed the settlement of the 
reveixMul John' Tucker, the colloaijiie and successor of doctor Toppan, 
some allusion ha.s been made, pages 215, 16'. His published work-s 
amount to twenty-two, many of them controversial and defensive. 
' These affairs,' says the reverend doctor Popkin, 'he met with firm- 
ness and strength of mind, and a portion of native wit, wliich he ap- 
pears to have reserved for such occasions. His sermons are very 
serious, solid and perspicuous.' In the latter part of Ws ministry ' he 
enjoved much quietness, anrl always the high esteem of his friends in 
this and other places; and those, who differed from him in sentiment, 
bare witness to iiis good life and conversation.' ' His epitaph records 
his character and the esteem of his friends.' 

I 

' Beneath are the remains of the Rev. John Tucker, n. D. Pastor of the first Church 
and Coniregalion in this Town; who dieil March ■-'Jd, 17!li j-J'lat 73 — Blessed with 
strong menial powers, a liberal education, and an uncommon milflness of Temper; all 
directed and improved by that faith, which purities the heart; rendered him dearly 
beloved in every Relation in which he was placed: and more especially made him 
conspicuously useful as a Minister of the Gospel. When meeting with peculiar Dif- 
ticulties, he eminently complied with that direction of his Master to the iirst Preach- 
ers of his Gospel; Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. As he lived a life 
of piely. he met death with serenity. — By his doctrine and e.xample he taught the 
humility, and at his death he exhibited the di:?uitv and triumph, of the real Christian.' 

■ To perpetnaie the memory of so excellent a character, and as a testimony of their 
atl'ectionate regard, tlie bereaved llock have erected this Sepulchral Stone.' 

No momimcnt has as yet been erected to the memory of Mr. ]\Ioor, 
'who,' savs the reverend doctor Popkin, 'was a man of genius, as well 
ns goodness.' He was the son of deacon INIoor, of Londonderry, New 
Hampshire. 

The first settled minister in the second parish, now the first, in "West 
Newlntry, was the reverend Samuel Belcher. Of him, much to 
the su|)poscd iliscredit of the parish, the story has been often tolil that 
when he grew old, and unable to preach, his parishioners cast him olf 
and carted him back to Ipswich, his native place. The facts arc these. 
'He was settled, as was then the custorn, as their pastor for life, wilh 
this proviso, that if he remained in town, he should have the use of 
the parsonage-house and land as long as he lived, but if he chose to 
leave town, they should revert to the use of the parish. 



CONCLUSION. 379 

Preferring:, when no longer able to preach, to spend the \'e\v remain- 
ing days of his ])ilgriinanfe in his native place, he relincjuished the use 
of the parsonage, and had his goods and furniture put into an ox-cart 
tor removal, lie then said to his friends, 'if you will place the beds 
in the cart properly, 1 will ride with the goods, as I can go that way 
easier than any otlier.' This was accordingly done, the old gentleman 
placed on the bed, and, at his own request, he was literally carted out 
of town. This, in the absence of any thing, in that day, like a chaise, 
or any other modern vehicle, was \mdonbtedly the easiest and most 
comfortable mode, in which he could be cdnveyed home, and should 
never be mentioned as a transaction at all discreditable to the persons 
thus engaged. In the Boston A'ews-Letter of 171-5, 1 find the following : 

' Tjiswich, March 12/A, 17M-15. 

'This day we buried Kev. Samuel Belcher in a ^ood old ase having lived near 7G 
years. He was for many years a preacher of Ihe t'ospel at the Isle of Shoals and 
afterward settled at Xewbiiry. His relisioti was pure and undefiled. His divinity 
sound and orthodox, his conversation very cheerful and ajreeable. yet {rrave withal. 
But that which highly distinguished him in his order was his e.xcellent gift in preach- 
ing, nothing being more entertaining than his ordinary sermons. Like a well instructed 
scribe, as he was, he always brought Joith things new and old, protitabte and pleasant. 

' Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci. A few mouths before his death he 
removed to Ipswich, the place of his birth.' 

Of the successors of 3Ir. Belcher, I have seen no monuments or 
epitaphs, as only one of theiu, the reverend Moses Hale, died in 
Newbury. 

On the monument, erected on 'burying hill,' in Newbnryport, to the 
memory of the reverend John Lowell, is the following inscription: 

' Here lies buried the body of the Rev. .lohn Lowell, M. .\. late pastor of the Con- 
gregational Society in Xewbiiryport. He was born in Boston March 11, 17(i:!. educated 
at Harvard in the University of Cambridge, where he took his degree anno 17-'l, and 
was settled in the sacred ministry of the gospel Jan. 10, l"2fl. He was a gentleman 
well skilled in the learned languages, of great reading and extensive knowledge, and 
of conspicuous piety and virtue, and of talents peculiarly adapted to the ministerial 
office. While he lived, he was highly respected and beloved bv his people, for whose 
welfare be had a tender and afFectionate concern, and was honored and greatly lamented 
by them when he died, which was on Friday morning May 15 1767 in the 64th year of 
his age and 4?d of his pastoral office. 

' This monument, erected to his memory by the unanimous voice of the people 
of his charge, testifies to the world their gratelul remembrance of his faithful services.' 

On the monument to the memory of the reverend Thomas Gary, is 
the following : 

' Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Thomas Gary, A. M. Senior Pastor of the First 
Religious Society in Newburyport. He was born in Charlcstown. Mass. 18 (let. 174.'), 
educated at Harvard. 1701. settled II May, I7IJS. and died ^.'4 Nov. ISOS. A man of 
strong comprehensive and improved niind, of active and extended benevolence, engaging 
manners, fencnt piety and inflexible integrity. A preacher, ]dain, evangelical, earnest 
and pathetic. Deejdy impressed with the importance of liis office, he spoke with dig- 
nity, force and feeling, enlightening the understandings of his hearers and warming 
their hearts. A firm believer in the religion he taught, it was his support ami conso- 
lation, the rule of his life and the ground of his hope, A goo<l and respected citizen, 
a kind husband, a most atfeclionale father and a most ardent friend. He was just, 
candid and sincere, charitable without ostentation, alfable without pride, proving his 
faith by his works, and looking to .Tesris for his reward. 

• In the 42d year of his age, it pleased God to take him off his labors by a stroke of 
the palsy. 



3S0 CONCLUSION. 

' Twenty years he languished under the pressure of infirmities, but he was patient 
and God rewarded him. 

' Though his usefulness was diminished, his friends never forgot him. To the last 
he had their warmest affections, their reverence and their sympathy. He fell this and 
was happy. His sufferings had prepared him for his departure. The messenger came 
at midnight and he was ready. God will remember his servant at the last day.' 

On the c:ravc-stone erected in West Newbury to the memory of , the 
reverend William Johnson, is the following inscription: 



' Rev. AVilliam Johnson was born in Newbury 3t j\Iay, 170G, graduated at Harvard 
1727. ordained 1.5 Sept. 1731, and died 2-> Feb. l'772 in his OGth year. 

' He \vas a gentleman of good understanding, of uniform piety and virtue, of a very 
amiable temper, tender and affectionate in his family connections, a benevolent and 



The reverend Moses Hale, who was settled in Byfield parish in 
1706, ' labored in word and doctrine ' with the people of his charge from 
1702, 'about 41 years, during which term he was an orthodox and 
lively preacher of the great truths of religion and a soldier of Jesus 
Christ.' Prince's Christian Ilislory, volume first, page 382. 

On the tomb erected to the memory of the reverend Moses Parsons, 
is the following inscription : 

' To the memory of the Rev. Moses Parsons, late" Pastor of the church of Christ in 
this Parish, who died Dec. 14, 17S3 in the GSth of his age and in the 4Uth year of his 
ministry. 

' Farewell, blest man ! soon may we meet again 
In climes celestial, free I'rom toil and pain. 
Where joys eternal swell the pious heart, 
And worth lil;e thine shall meet its just desert. 
Where thou, dear saint, art flown, by Jesus lov'd, 
By angels welcom'd and by God approv'd.' 

'Erected in memory of Rev. Elij.\ii P.irish, who was ordained Pastor of the con- 
gregation in this place Dec. 'JO, 17S7 and who died Oct. 1.5, IS'2.3 aged 63 years. Also 
in memory of Mrs. Mary Parish, who died May 2()th 1S31 aged 64 years. 

' ' Saved by grace,' they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.' 

In addition to what has already been said concerning Mr. Plant, I 
make a few extracts from the reverend doctor Morss's century sermons, 
and from Mr. Plant's private journal, which have not hitherto been 
pubhshcd. 

' Mr. Plant at the commencement of his duty Nov. 1722 drew n]i 
articles to be a standing order, by which the Parishioners shall proceed 
for the good Ptegulating and ordering of the Affairs of the Church for 
future and Ihat nothing should be allowed or added to them without 
the consent of the Minister.'* ^ This was signed by eighteen persons, 
who the doctor supposes ' must have enjoyed advantages of early edu- 
cation, and to have been above the common class of free holders, be- 
cause their names are in their own hand writing, and are all written in 
a fair and legible hand,' an inference altogether erroneous, and which 
a more extended acquaintance with the chkography of that period 
would not have induced him to make. 

' Ml-. Plant appears to have been a man of strict integrity, of a high 

* Dr. Morss's century sermons. 



CONCLUSION. 381 

sense of decorum, and of the distinctive rights of the Clergy and 
Laity. He was exact and methodical ; })nnctiml in the discharge of 
the duties of his station ; and anxious that Clcisiy and Laity should 
move ill their distinct sphere without interference.'* 

Daring the period of the diffieuhies tliat had arisen hetwccn 3Ir. 
Plant and the proprietors of St. Paul's church, some one of them had 
written to the society in England complaining that his habit was not 
canonical. To this complaint he mikes a reply to doctor Bcarcroft, 
June twenty-fifth, 1742, from which I extract the following. 

' You inform me of a complaint made against me that I even officiate in the Church 
■with a coloured handkerchief round my neck instead of a hand. Moreover yon say it 
■was with some difficulty that you prevented the complaint from being laid before the 
society. . . . It is a liltle surprizing that the author of it should stoop so low, or 
at least be so malicious as to notice my habit without (irst giving me notice that it 

■was offensive to him I never once in my whole time of preachin;; here, 

went to Church to officiate without a band, nor do I remember the time w hen I ever 
■wore a speckled handkerchief, nor any other about my neck in time of divine service, 
nay I never buried an infant in the most tempestuous weather without a band, thou:;h 
I have rode several miles to perform it.' In anolher letter to the same person, alluding 
to other difficulties, he thus writes, 'Sir. Mossom of Marldehead says there are but 
three old England clergymen in these parts viz. Mr. Harris, myself and you (viz. Mr. 
Plant) and these fellows t are going home for orders and thev will get the best places 
in the country and take the bread from off our trenchers. There is the new church ia 
Boston. Of right it first belongs to Mr. Harris. If he refuses, to myself, and ne.\t to 
you, but they make no offer of it to any of us, and we that have served the church 
must serve the church as we have, and take up with their leavings. We now who 
have stood the brunt of the battle and laid the foundation of the churches in this coun- 
try are not so much as consulted, who shall be their minister. Mr. Harris is resolved 
to write to my Lord Bishop to oppose their ordination, and I'll join with him and am 
come up to acquaint you with it an<l we would have you join with us for a three-fold 
cord is not easily broken. I answered him, I do not know whether I may be permit- 
ted to say as Moses once said ' I wish to God they w ere all the Lord's people, but I 
think we are right, and therefore I'll s:iy that were all church ministers and church 
people in these conditions, I would cheerfully resign up my salary and dig for my 
bread. Had Mr. Mossom sent these zealous expressions to the Society I suppose the 
venerable members wonid not from thence draw the conclusion that I was willing to 
resign my .£00 a year to Dr. Cutler and take up digging and hoeing 6 days for my 
bread, and preach on the seventh day lor nothing.' 

'Notwithstanding all the conlempt showed me by the water-side people, and the 
slight and so forth, I have had honor done me by the leading gentlemen in these 
parts. His F.-xceliency Gov. Shute did me the honour to come to my church and 
carry me with him in his coach. His Honour Gov. Went^orth I'reqnently attended 
the Holy Communion. His Excellency Gov. Burnet the first time I had the honour 
to wait on him. told me he intended to be at my church at such a day. and said can 
you any where thereabout lodge me and provide hay for my horses. I told him I did 
not know of any person near my church Ihat could enlerlain lietter than myself. His 
Excellency Gov. Belcher generously otfereil me the honour of nominating two persons 
in my church one for a juslire, the other for a coroner. And in the time of his gov- 
ernment there was application made by some gentlemen to him for his interest to get 
an act passed in their behalf they knowing it would meet^^■ith great difficulty, it being 
thrice altempied and as often rejected, he promised them his interest, but withal 
recommended it to them to apply to some person, who had a prevailing interest in that 
government. They asked his E.xcellency to recommend Ihem (o such a person: he 
replyed, if you can make Mr. Plant your friend, he will get the act passed for you. for 
Mr. Plant has the best interest of any person I know of in the Government. The 

General Assembly did me the honour to pass it at my representation H' 

I would relate the whole of this afl!;iir, I believe. Rev. Sir, you would allow it a great 

honour done me Likewise at all times of performing divine service at 

Kitteiy, 1 had a large audience, and gentlemen of Porlsmouth did me the honour to 
attend there The people of Kittery refused to admit Mr. Brown into 

• Dr. Morss's century sermons. 

t This altu(Ic$ la a cimsuliaiinn which had been held on ihe suhjcet of sending over candid&les for 
orders, one of whom probably was iniended to olUciaie ia St. Fuul^i cliurch. 



383 CONCLUSION. 

their church, before they haj took my advice and asked my consent To 

conrlu'le boaslini;. Ihe last time I was at Portsmouth, I wailed on the Governor and 

some leading t;entlemen about an affair, that is too Ions to relate 1 took 

mv leave of the Governi^r, upon which he said to me. Mr. Plant, you will stay and 
dine with me. I excused myself — but says his K.xcellency it shall never be said yon 
came 10 Piscntaqua and not dine with me. If these things will not satisfy you that 
1 have both honour and friendship with these gentlemen I must conclude myself In 
Jail. I can't conclude this long letter without adding one remaikable instance of my 
he.irly atfectinu and zeal, shewed in a puhlick manner for the honour of the church. 
It happened lo be at the house of Gov. Belcher on one of the princesses' birth days. 
Several genlleinen being present weie invited to dine with the Governor. His Excel- 
lency savs to Capt .\tkins: ' When did you see mv mother Partridge ? How does she 
do?' Capt. X. leplyed 'I saw heron Sunday in the afternoon at Mr. Lowell's meet- 
ing' Says the Gov. you call ouis the meetiit!', and i/nurs the church, but you should call 
ours the church and yours the meeling. He added when I was in England I waited on 
Viscount Townseud and talking on the state of the church in New England, said his 
Lordship, T suppose you call the church people dissenteis there, and yours the church, 
as we here call niirs the church, anil ijou the dissenters, so that we are the church and 
you are the ilisseulcrs says the Governor. Dr. Ilarwood the assistant at the King's 
chapel, being my .senior, I wnited to see what answer he would return to his E.xcel- 
lencv's sjieech (resolving it should not want an answer) every person present being 
silent, and Mr. Harwood and Esqr. .Atkins, the only two persons of the church being 
seemingly thuiidevstruck. I thus addressed myself to the Governor. May it please 
your Excelleiicv. I do not know what my Lord Townsend may say to you in his 
chamber, nor what his ojnnion was in his study, but if he e.xpressed himself in these 
terms to your Excellency, his opinion was in direct opposition to the Lords Justices, 
who in their letter to Lt. Gov. Dumnier ordered their Secretary to inform him that 
they had no regular establishment of any church in this Piovince; neither have you 
said L to the Governor any other establishment, but "what is on the same footing with 
other sectaries, viz. the act oi' toleration. I went on very warmly for- or -t minutes, 
but the (iovernor put a stop tome, Mr, Plant, I'll not dispute the matter with you, 
'nor I with your Excellency.' When Mr. Harwood and myself returned t'rom the 
Gov's, house, I asked him whether he took notice of the ati'iont he attempted to put 
upon two Clergymen in their habit. He said 'yes.' I asked him why he did not give 
the Gov. an answer? He said to me, I do not give myself any trouble about these 
things; the Gov. is kind to me and I dine with him two or three times a week and 
when I u'ant a good dinner T alway.s go there. I am ahs'ays welcome, and you cannot 
help yourself, if they do say so of you. What signifies it for you to show your lesent- 
ment. They do not in England mind us that are here. I then said to 3Ir. Harwood I 
am sorry you are tyed so t'ast by the teeth as not to resent such a designed alTront as 
that was. For my own part I will eat bread and cheese so long, as I live before I'll 
sneak to Ihe Gov. for a dinner, and at his table hear myself called a Dissenter, and my 
Church represented a Conventicle.' 

Mr. Plant concludes his letter thus: 'I do inost humbly and earnestly entreat the 
Right Rev. members .... to recommend it to these gentlemen . . . to look 
on me as their minister and treat me as such, that they wouki come to pay me a visit 
— that every thing on their part should be buried in oblivion and I should do Ihe same 
on my part, to be confirmed bv the usual compliment of mutually and coidially shak- 
ing of hands. If the Right honorable members would be pleased to grant my request 
in some such foim of direction to them, the matter would I lltink he justly stated on 
both sides, and there would be noTouiidation for the gentlomsn to say in a domineering 
way, ' We have got the better of Plant at the Society, the Society have ordered Plant 
to allow our minister i'"JO and if we can but get the money (as is a common expres- 
sion with them) we do not care what becomes of Plant.' Such expressions must be 
grating to a generous minii. I entreat that what 1 have written may find favor and 
not blame wifh the Society. If they would condesceiul to answer the request of their 
mis-^ionary in some such sort, it would be satisfictorv, but if" it cannot be obtained, be 
pleased to send me their directions and they shall be choeifiilly and readily obeyed by 
Rev. Sirs your most obedient 

'^I.\TTH[.\s Plani".' 

Ill nnotlior lollcr daleil tweiity-tliii'd Octcilicr, 17 17, he snys ' I was 
desired lo atloiid a raccliiic: of the chtirch and all liic ]iro|)rietors. — I 
told them tlie Socicly had allotted to me the honour of being; the chief 
minister of the whole jiarish, and of anntittlly paying an assistant X:.'() 
sterling, but that I might be the minister of the whole parish, it woidd 



CONCLUSION. 383 

be necessary- they slioukl induct me into the chnrch, nnd desired the 
church wardens, vestry and proprietors to give me induction. They 
said there was no occasion lor it, and asked me of wliat service it 
could be to me. I told them it gave me a riglit to the desk and pidpit, 
that uoue could officiate in the church or parish. This they refused to 
give. . . . How, says I, cau 1 be the chief minister of the whole 
parish, if I have no privilege to act in your j/arish or officiate in your 

church without asking your leave every time 1 come. Capt. said 

they would not allow me to be their minister, or lo have any tiling to 
do in their parish. They would somelimcs give me leave to preacli iu 

their new chnrch They said they would neither give 

me nor any other clergyman, whom they miglit hereafter have, a i>()\v- 
er to keep out a minister, whom they should wish to hear. It was 
their own property, and they would invite whom they pleased to preach. 
I am not bound to saeritice the good discipline of the church, 
which these gentlemen are endeavouring to wrest from me. . . . 
This usurpation would soon diti'use itself into an universal precedent 
in the churches to their told ruin.' During the continuance of this dis- 
pute Mr. Plant notices in many places the smallness of the audiences 
in St. Paul's church. Thus: June twenty-second, 17-16, preached at 
St. Paul's church and had only ten men 'belonging to the church 
there. July 26 A. M. 9 men, P. M. 10 men. 12 Oct. had 7 men and 
one woman. 17 Xov. 1745, A. M. 10 men and 2 women. P. M 13 men 
and 2 women.' He thus speaks of the treatment he received from 
some of his opponents. 'If they met me in the street, or saw me 
nigh to them, some of them would turn their backs, or glower with 
their eyes from under tlieir hats, or give it a little uugg with their 
hands and sneeringly walk off.' 

These extracts from Mr. Plant's journal, which I copied from the 
original, and of which many more pages might be given, are strikingly 
characteristic of the state of society at that period, and of the great 
importance attached to an acquaintance with the rich, the titled, and 
the great. To shake hands with a 'squire, or to be familiar with a 
judge, was an honor never to be forgotten, but to dine with a governor, 
was a distinction confined to a favored few, and worthy of perpetual 
remembrance. Burns in one of his poems gives us some idea of his 
feelings of exaltation when 

' On a ne'er to be forgotten day, 
So far he spmokled up the brae,* 
He dinner'd with a Lord! ' 

It was not until five years after the date of this letter, which very 
clearly ex[)lains the sidjject of contest between Mr. Plant and the 
proprietors, that the difficidties were settled by their acceding to Mr. 
Plant's demands. On June twenly-fourlh, 17-51, Mr. Plant became the 
chief minister of the whole parish, and on December twenty-third, 
1751, he made choice of Mr. Edward Bass as his assistant, allowing 
him twenty pounds per annutn. In 1752 Mr. Bass went to Ensland 
for orders, and took with him a letter signed F. Miller, from which I 
extract the following. 

' Rev. Sir. — The bearer, Mr. Bass i,s a young gentleman, bred at Harvard Collese, 
and has preached for some lime among the dissenters to good acceptance, but now, 

* Clambered up a hill. 



334 CONCLUSION. 

nnon mature consi'leration, thinks it his duty to conform to the church of England, 
nnd come nve. ibr holy orders, and to be appointed to the new church in Newliury. 
Bolh Mr Plant and tlie people are highly pleased with him, and indeed he is univer- 
sallv spoken of as a man of piety and sense, a good preaclier and of an agreeable 
temper He biin.'s full testimonials from the college, where he has lived, I think about 
ten years which are conlirmed by the clergy of Boston &c A person so qualified 
and recommended can never want your favor and assistance,' &c. 

On the momimcnt erected to the memory of bishop Bass, is a 
Latin inscription, of which the following is a translation, copied troina 
note in a sermon, preached by the reverend James Morss in lb 11, 

• Beneath this stone are interred the remains of the Right Rev. Edward Bass D. D. 
T^lsho of Ma.s and R. I. • He was born at Dorchester near Boston 2;3 Nov 7;i6, was 
udmuedmembe of Harvard College, aged 13, received the honors of the University 
17« nd was soon after inducted to the pastoral care of St. Paul's Church in this 
town, of which he was rector 51 years, during which t,me he always supported an 
iuviii,wi , ,_ 1 :.i ,i„ .].,,.„.. ,^^ . c r. n.-o with nncommon nueiitv 



town, ol wnicn ne was reciui ui vcai=, u,....., .....^., ...... ... - ' c i„i;,,, 

iinsmtted character and discharged the duties of his olhce with uncommon hdelity 
and ewtness. He was a man of distinguished virtue, uncommon humility great 
node^^and sincere piety and was firmly atta.-hed to the cause ot religion. He was 
remarkable for his urbanity and placidncss of disposition and lor his venerable and 
di^iified manner. He thus became the tender husband, the instructive and ag.eeable 
companion the warm and lasting friencL the true and iaithful rnonilor. He un. ed the 
char cterof a sound divine, an c>ud,le scholar, a polished gentleman and devout chris- 
tian The tears of an affeclionale people bear the best testimony to his supeiior 
virtue, and upon their hearts is h.s memory more durably engraved than upon the 

hardest marble. , , . , ^ n .u > 

' The j net rest from their labors and their works follow them. 

The following inscription is engraved on the monnraent erected iu 
memory of the reverend James Blorvss. 

< Erected in memory of the Rev. .lames Morss T>. D., who for 39 years Y/-q*^t^^,r 
loved rector of St Paul's Churcli. He was born in Newburyport 'J.j Oct. 1779, grad- 
uated at Harvard CoUe.-e ISOI), was chosen rector of this church in ISOJ and remained 
with his attached people nnlil his decease, whi-h look place Apr. 21,, 1&4-. 

' Mr Mo^s was a sound divine, and to his devotion to the church was added a zea 
for he; nterests, and a moral courage in her delence never excelled In his deportment 
were 1 le ded the conitesies of the" gentleman with the graces ol the christian. He 
was di t ntu.shed in all the sweet charities of social life, the tender la her, the laithlul 
^ e°r ye 'none shone more prominent that, his kindly care for the widow and orphan. 
Their Srs embalm his memory, and the. prayers of an affectionate people rise as 
incense to the throne of grace. 

'This is his record on high-' 

The society, of whicli the reverend Jo.vAxnAN Parsons was the 
first pastor, had its origin in the time of the great excitement, pro- 
diR^ed by the labors of Edwards, Wliitefield, and others, one of whom 
was the reverend Joseph Adams, wlio preached to the new society 
consisting at first of only twelve families, unl.l l,y the advice and 
recoramelidalion of Whilofield, Mr. Parsons was called from Lyme, 
Connecticut, (where he had been settled as a mmisler, from March, 
1731 till October, 174.),) to lake charge of the new society. Jn 
Nov^-mher of the same vettr, he came to ^cMnuj, and took the 
charge of the congregation in March. 17d6. In his .^onrnal lie thus 
writes- ' I found a^ivimber of serious Christians in the congrcgatton, 
which I came to visit, who appeared to be understanding, solid and in 
some measure established in the main points of Christian doctrine. 
Rut many others appeared of an Antinomian turn, lull of vam confi- 
dence self-conceit, false aflections etc., and some that were the great- 



CONCLUSION. 385 

«st Christians in their own esteem, appeared to be worldly and 
covetous.' 

In this ehiuvh and congregation, whicli fiom small Ijcsinnings arose 
to be one of the most nnmerous on the continent, Mr. Par.-^ons labored 
with great diligence and success nntil his dealh in 1776, when he was 
buried by the side of his friend Sir. AVhitefield, beneath the pulpit 
which he had for so many years occupied. From Mr. Searl's funeral 
sermon on the death of Mr. Parsons, I make the following extract. 

'He was a fiithfiil and vijilant pastor; applyins; himself with great care to the 
wants of his people, both in publir and in private. The success attendins his ministry 
was great. During liis residence at Lyme, he entertained charitable hopes that 
near 200 persons were savingly converted : and in Neuburyport also, he had the satis- 
faction of seeing large accessions made to the church through his instrumentality.' 

The reverend John Murray, the successor of Mr. Parsons, com- 
menced preaching in his native country, Ireland, at the age of eighteen. 
Before he was twenty years of age, he came to America, was first 
settled in Philadelphia, then in Boothbay, Me., where he remained 
eight years. In 1779, he came to Newbuiyport, where, at a ])ublic 
lecture January fourth, 1781, he was 'recognized by the presbyteriaii 
church and congregation to be their minister.' On the monument 
erected to his memory, is the following inscription : 

' This monument is erected to the memory of the reverend John Murray. -\ M.. late 
pastor of the Presbyterian Society in this town, who was born in Ireland 22 May, 1742, 
and died 13 Maich, 1793. 

' Pause reader ! and silently muse over the remains of a man, in whom were united 
the tender husband, the f.iithl'ul father, the instructive companion, the obliging friend, 
the animated preacher, and the able defender of the gospel. His death was triumphanl.' 

The inscription on the monument erected to the metnory of IMr. 
Williams, is the following : 

'The Rev. Simuel P. Williams was born in Wethersfield Conn. 2'2 Feb. 1779, gradu- 
ated at Yale College 1796, ordained in Marsfield, Conn. 1 .Ian. 1S07, removed from 
Marsfield 7 Sept. 1817. installed S Feb. 1S->1 and died 23 Dec. 1826. His ancestors were 
the people of God. He was a preacher of the gospel. Let bis hearers, if they would 
honor him, obey that gospel. 

' .\nd if in life he tried in vain to save, 

let them hear him preaching from the grave.' 

Epitaph in memory of reverend Christopher B. Marsh. 

' Beneath are the remains of the Rev. Christopher B. Marsh the only son of Deac. 
Daniel Marsh of Boston and the much beloved and lamented Pastor of the North 
Church in this town. He e.tchansed this mortal for an endless life Dec. 3. 1773. aged 
30 years and 2 months, having little more than completed the fifth year of his ministry. 
He was a hard student, a good scholar, a great christian, a deep, yet plain and pungent 
preacher, a meek, humble and prudent Pastor. His whole life blameless and exemplary, 
his ministry, tho' short, was important, conveying much instruction and bearing a 
noble testiniony to the great doctrines of God's grace. His grateful flock to shew their 
respect to his memory, erect this monument. 

'The Reverend man. let all things mourn; 

Sure he was some alherial mind, 

Fated in flesh to be confined, 

And ordered 1o be born, 

His soul was of the angelic frame ; 

The same ingredients, and the mould the same 

When the Creator makes a minister of flame. 

He was all formed of heavenly things, 

Mortals, believe what my Urania sings. 

For she hath seen him rise upon his flamy wings.' 

49 



886 CONCLUSION. 

Epitaph in memory of tlie reverend Samuel Spring, D. D. 

' In memory of the Rev, Samuel Spring, born at Uxbridje 27 Feb. 17-lG, graduated at 
Nassau 1771, ordained Pastor of the North Church, 6 Aug, 1777, and died 1 March, 
1819, in his 74th year. A man of original and vigorous mind, distinguished for a deep 
sense of human depravity, specially for his own unworthiness, and'ibr exalted views 
of the character and perfections of God and the Redeemer; of great integrity, firmness, 
benevolence and urbanity; an able, faithful and assiduous Pastor, an ensample to the 
flock, over which he was placed, an alfectionale husband, a tender father, a sincere 
friend. He was a Visitor of the Theological Seminary at Andover from its commence- 
ment, President of the Mass. Missionary Society Vice Pres. of the American Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions and in most of the other important offices of the 
other benevolent societies around him. He liveil eminently useful and died universally 
lamented. In testimony of the grateful estimation with which the memory of their 
Pastor is cherished, this monument is erected by the bereaved and atliicted church 
and congregation. 

' The righteous shall be held in everlasting'remembrance.' 

On the monument erected to the memory of the reverend John 
BoDDiLY, is the following inscription: 

' The Rev. John Boddily was born in England, educated at Lady Huntingdon's 
College and came to America 179.5. This church was founded that year. He was an 
atiectionate evangelical preacher of the gospel. He died 4 Nov. 1802, aged 47 years.' 

On that to the memory of the reverend John Gile.s, is the following : 

' Here lies interred the remains of the Rev. John Giles for twenty two years Pastor 
of the Second Presbyterian church in this town. He died 28 Sept. 1S22 aged 6G.' 

On the marhle pyramid erected to the memory of the reverend 
Charles W Milton, is the following: 

'This monument is erected to the memory of the Rev. Charles William Milton, 
born in London 2? Nov. 17IJ7, educated for the gospel ministry by Lady Huntingdon, 
he was ordained a missionary in Spa Field's Chapel, London 17 Feb. 17SS. commenced 
the work of the ministry in the British Provinces in America, invited to this town by 
the Rev. John Murray, he accepted the invitation to become the Pastor of a new church, 
called the Iburth church and religious Society and was installed 20 March, 1791. Asa 
man he was upright, independent and philanthropic ; As a friend (though his intimacies 
were few) warm-hearted and faithful; As a christian, zealous and stable; for personal 
piety eminent. His religion was in the heart rather than on the lip ; As a minister of 
the New Testament, he was earnest, decided and evangelical; a scribe instructed unto 
tlie kingdom of heaven ; In his style and manner truly unique. No man was his 
model. In the fervour and eloquence of public prayer unsurpassed, if not unequalled. 
Forty three years he preached the gospel of Christ to his people with a fidelity and 
success preeminently signal and suddenly passed into glory May 1, 1S37 aged 70. 
]\Iany at the last day shall rise up and call him blessed.' 

To these epitaphs, which I have inserted by partictilar request, I 
shall add only the following inscription, which is on the monument 
erected in the Federal Street church to the memory of the reverend 
George Whitefield, by the munificence of the late William Bartlet, 
esquire. 

' This Cenotoph is erected with affectionate veneration to the memory of the Rev. 
George Whitefield, born at Gloucestershiie Dec. 16, 1714, educated at Oxford Univer- 
sity, ordained 17:]G. In a ministry of 34 years he crossed the Atlantic 13 times, and 
preached more than ISOOI) sermons. As a soldier of the cross, humble, devout, ardent, 
he put on the whole armor of God, preferring the honor of Christ to his own interest, 
repose, reputation and life. Asa Christian orator, his deep piety, disinterested zeat 
and vivid imagination gave unexampled energy to his look, utterance and action. Bold, 
ardent, pungent and popular in his eloquence, no other unmspired man ever preached 



C O N C L U S 1 U N . 387 

lo so large assemblies, or enforced the simple truths of the gospel by motives, so per- 
suasive and awful, and with an inlluencp so ))owerfnl on the hearts of his hearers. He 
died of Asthma, September 30, 1770, suddenly exchanging his life of unparalleled labors 
for his eternal rest.' 

Having thus disposed of the deceased clergy, I shall now occu])y a 
few pages with brief notices of the Iiiity, in addition to what may be 
found in the genealogy, which will be given alphabetically. 

Robert Adams resided within a few rods of the spot where bis de- 
scendants, colonel Daniel Adams and Eobert Adams, now live. The 
]iosterity of Robert Adams are numerous. On the grave stone erected 
to his memory in the Byfield burying ground, there is a mistake ; one 
generation having been omitted, thus making Abraham Adams the son 
of his grandfather Eobcrt, instead of his father Abraham. 

John Atkinson, hatter, resided where captain Stephen Little now 
resides. 

Reverend Stephen Bachiler resided for a short time in Newbury. 
A particular account of him may be found in Lewis's History of Lynn. 
SuHice it to say that he came to America in 1632, at the age of seventy 
one, went to Lynn, thence to Ipswich in 1636, thence to Yarmouth in 
1637, thence to Newbury in 163s, thence to Hampton in 1639. From 
1647 to 16o0 he was in Portsmouth. In the latter year he married his 
third wife Mary. He was then nearly ninety years of ago. In the 
same year, the court, in consequence of a matrimonial dilfieulty, ordered 
that ' Mr. Bachiler and his wife shall lyve together as man and wife, as 
in this Court they have piiblirpiely professed to doe, and if either 
desert one another, then hereby the Court doth order that ye Marshall 
shall apprehend both yc said Mr. Bachiler and Mary his wife and 
bring them forthwith to Boston,' and so forth. In October, 1()-j6, his 
wife Mary petitioned the Court for a divorce, stating that ' Mr. 
Bachiler upon some pretended ends of his owne hath transjiorted him- 
selfe unto ould England and betaken bimselfe to another wife,' and so 
forth. At the time of Mr. Bachiler's running away and taking a 
fourth wife, he was in the ninety-sixth year of his age I Quite a 
sprightly specimen of- clerical gallantry, and certainly unique. He 
died at Hackney, England, aged about one hundred. Prince says of 
him, 'he was a man of fame in his day, a gentleman of learning and 
ingenuity, and wrote a fine and curious hand.' His posterity are very 
numerous in New Hampshire. 

John Bailey came to New England in a ship called the ' Angel 
(rabriel,' which was cast away in the terrible storm of August 1()35. at 
Pemaquid. He was so frightened by the dangers he had encounlercd, 
that he never again dared to cross the Atlantic. As his wife was 
ecpially unwilling to come to New England, they never met. He 
brought his son John with him. In his will he say.s, 'son John is to 
pay his mother £6, provided she come over, son Piobert Xlo and 
daughters £10 apiece if they come over, and £-5 apiece, if they do not.' 

Tlie Bautlet families, three in all, settled on and about the place 
called Bartlct's cove, in Newbury, ojiposite Amcsbury ferry, where 



388 CONCLUSION. 

some of his descendants of the same name still remain, and engaged 
in the same occupation, and perhaps on the same spot that John 
Jiartlet, ' the tanner,' occupied nearly two centuries ago. The name 
is an ancient one, and may be found in various ancient records. Adam 
de Barttlot, went to England with William the conqueror, in 1066, and 
settled at Stajihanr in Sussex, where the elder branch of the family 
still resides. In 12^0 the name was spelled Bartelot, afterward Bar- 
tholot, Bartolot, Bartelet, Bartlett, and Bartlet. In Jolm Fox's Book 
of Martyrs, printed in IGIO, 1 find Richard, Robert, Sarah and Isabel- 
la Bartlet, protestant martyrs, persecuted by John Longland, popish 
bishop of the diocese of Lincoln in the year 1521. 

Henrv Bod well, who married Betbia Emery, was one of the few 
survivors of the company under c:i])tain Thomas Lathrop, who were 
slain at the disastrous battle of IMuddy Brook, September eighteenth, 
1675, now most appropriately styled Bloody Brook. An account of 
this battle, or rather massacre, should have been given on page 117, 
but was omitted for want of some information, which, having been 
since obtained, will be here inserted, comjiiled from the honorable Ed- 
ward Everett's elegant address, delivered September thirtieth, 1635, 
at Bloody Brook, in South Deerfield, in commemoration of the fall of 
the ' flower of Essex' at that spot in king Philip's war, September 
eighteenth, 1675, and from Mr. Robert Adams's manuscript history of 
Newbury, and a document copied from the original on file in the state 
house, in Boston, and written by the reverend John Russell, of Hadley. 
Those who are familiar with the history of Philip's war, will recollect 
that PhiUp was at this time on Connecticut river. It therefore became 
necessary for the English to establish a formidable opposing force, in 
some convenient position. As Hadley was selected, an increased sup- 
ply of provisions in that place was necessary. ' A considerable quan- 
tity of wheat being preserved in stacks at Deerfield, it was deemed 
expedient to have it threshed and brought down to Hadley. Captain 
Lathrop and his company volunteered to proceed to Deerfield and pro- 
tect the convoy. This comjiany consisted of ' the flower of the jiopu- 
lation of Essex — her hopeful voung men — all culled out of the towns 
belonging to that county.' Of the twenty-three men impressed from 
Newbury on the fifth, sixth, and twenty-seventh of August to go against 
the Indian enemy, Henry Bodwell and John Toppan were two, and it 
is not unlikely that the remaining twenty-one were a part of captain 
Lathrop's company, which consisted in all of eighty men. The whole 
company arrived safely at Deerfield, threshed the wheat, placed it in 
eighteen wagons, and while on their return through South Deerfield, 
as they were stopping to gather grapes, which hung in clusters in the 
forest that lined the narrow road, they were surprised by an ambuscade 
of Indians, outnumbering captain Lathrop's company ten to one, who 
poured upon them a murderous fire. Hubbard states that not above 
seven or eight of captain Lathrop's company escaped. This is prob- 
ably near the truth, as the reverend John Russell states that seventy- 
one men were slain at Muddy Brook bridge on the eighteenth of Sep- 
tember, and gives the names of sixty of them. ' From August fifth to 
September twenty-seventh, there were impressed,' says Mr. Everett, 
' in the single town of Newbury, thirty men and forty-six horses; facts 
that show the prodigious severity of the military service of the colony 



CONCLUSION. 389 

at that [leriod, — vastly greater than at any subsequent period in the 
history of the country.' To which Mr. Everett niiyiht have added, that 
in December ot" that same year, twenty-four additional men were im- 
pressed from Newbury, and, on the second of the next January, thir- 
teen more, making in all, with Richard Kent's man, who was impressed 
on September twenty-ninth, sixty-eight men and forly-six horses, from 
August fifth, 1675, to January second, 1676. The ratable polls at this 
time were only one hundred and fifty-nine. Mr. Samuel jaques, who 
died Jiuie twenty-fourth, 1824, aged ninety-five years and four months, 
was well acquainted with three of the soldiers from Newbury, who 
were in the battle of September eighteenth, or the Petaqiianiscot fight 
at Narragansett, December nineteenth; namely, Jonathan Emery, 
Samuel Hills, and John Toppan. From them Air. Jaques ascertained 
the followmg jiarticulars, which he communicated to Mr. Robert Adams 
in 1817. Jonathan Emery was wounded, December nineteenth, in the 
neck by an arrow. At the battle of Bloody Brook, Jolin Toppan, who 
was wounded in the shoulder, concealed himself in a water course that 
at that time was almost dry, and hauled grass and weeds over his head, 
so that, though the Indians sometimes step])ed over him, he was not 
discovered. Henry Bodwell had his left arm broken by a mnsket ball, 
but, being a man of great strength and courage, he seized his gun in 
his right band, and swung it round his head, and so forced his way 
through the Indians, by whom be was almost surrounded. ' The ca- 
tastrophe of the eighteenth of September, was the heaviest, which 
had befallen the colony.' ' It was a sadder rebuke of Providence,' says 
doctor Increase Mather, 'than any thing that hitherto had been' — 'a 
black and fatal day wherein there were eight persons made widows, and 
twenty six children made fatherless, and about sixty persons buried in 
one fatal grave.' In the course of Philip's war, which was brief, 'six 
hundred of the inhabitants, the greatest jiart of whom were the flower 
of the country, fell in battle, or were murdered. Twelve towns in 
Massachusetts, Plymouth and Rhode Island were utterly destroyed, 
and many more greatly injured. Six hiuidred buildings, mostly dwel- 
ling houses, are known to have been burned, and, according to doctor 
Trumbull's calculation one man in eleven of the arms bearing popula- 
tion was killed, and one house in eleven laid in ashes.' 

The following is a copy, sent to the general court by the reverend 
John Russell, of Hadley. It has never, to my knowledge, been print- 
ed, only in part. Those belonging to Newbury who were killed under 
captain Lathrop, were sei;jeant Thomas Smith, Samuel Stevens, his 
brother John Stevens, John Littlehale, at that time of Haverhill. John 
Pliunmer was killed August twenty-fifth. There were probably others 
from Newbury, whose names are not known. 

' A list of the men slain in the County of Hampshire (thoush we cannot ^ctt the 
names of all, yet as many as we can gett,) are here inserted. Also the lime when and 
place where they were slain. 

' ir)7.5, Aug. 2. John Eyres. Richard Coy,.John and Samuel Pritchard, Henry Young;, 
Zachary Phillips. Svdrach Harkwood. Samuel Smeadlcy, Edward Coburn. James Hov- 
ey, Capt. Edward Hutchinson, 13wereslayn. At the swamp beyond Hatfield ye 25 
August were 9 men slayn. Azariah Dickinson, James Lewis. Samuel .Mason, Richard 
Fellows, John Plummer, Mark Pitman, Joseph Pearson, Matthew Scales, William 
Cluffe. 

' At Squakea^e ye 4 Sept. 16 men were slayn. 

' Capt. Richard Beers, John Chenary, Ephraim Child. Benjamin Crackbone. Robert 
Pepper, Joseph Dickinson, William Markham, George Lyrass, John Gatchell, James 
Miller, John Wilson. 



390 CONCLU.SION. 

' Siiiiakeasc ye '-'il of Sept. S men were slayn. 

' Serg. Samuel Wrislil, KUenezer and Jonathan Jeans, Kbenezer Parsons, Nathaniel 
Cnrtis.Thomas Scott, and John I'eck. 

' At lleerfiekl 2 men were slayn. James Eaglestone, Nathaniel Cranberry. 

' At Muddy Brook bridge ye ISlh Sept. 71 men were slayn. 

' Capt. Thomas Lalhroji, Ser. Thonjas Smith, Samuel Stevens, John Hobbs, Daniel 
Button, John Harrinian, Thomas Bailey, Ezekiel Sawyer, Jacob Kilborn, Thomas 
IHannini;, Jacob Wainwrijjht, Benjamin Rojier, John Bennet. Thomas Mentor, Caleb 
Kimball, Thomas Hobbs, Robert Homes, Kdward Trask, Richard Lambert, Josiah 
Dodire, Peter Woodbury, Joseph Dalch, Samuel Whittridge, William Duy. Serg. Samu- 
el Stevens, Samuel Crampton, John Plum, Thomas Buckley, George Ropes, Joseph 
Kirge, Thomas Alexander, Francis Friend, Abel Osyer, John Liltlehale, Samuel Hud- 
son, Adam Clarke, Ephraim Farah, Robert Wilson, Steven Welman, Benjamin Farrell, 
Solomon Alley, John I^lcrritt, Robert, Samuel, Barnabas and John Hiusdall, Joseph 
(iillett, John Allin, Joshua Carter, John Barnard. James Tul'Is. Jonathan I'lympton, 
Philip Baisham, Thomas Welles, William Smeade, Zebadiah Wriliams, Eliakim Mat- 
shall, James Jludge and George Cole. 

'At Northampton 2 men were slain, Praiseever Turner, and Uzacaby Shackspeer. 

' At Springfield Oct. d, four men and a woman were slain. Lieut. Thomas Cooper, 
Thomas Miller, Nathaniel Browne, Edmund Primrides. 

' At Ilaliicld Oct. r.i ten men Avere slain. Serg. Freegrace Norton, Thomas IVIekins, 
Nathaniel Collins, Richard Stone, Samuel Clarke, John Pocock, Thomas Warner, 
Abraham Quiddington, William Olverton, John Petts. 

' At Westtield Oct. 27, were three men slayn, William and John Brooks, and John 
Dumblelon. 

' At Northampton 20 Oct. were 1 slain Joseph Baker sen. Joseph Baker jun. Thomas 
Salmon, and John Roberts. 

' Three men of Capt. Moseley's, when he went to relieve Capt. Lalhrop, John Oates, 
Peter Barron, 

' The whole number is 14-j persons. Blow ye a trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call 
a solemn assembly, gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, 
gather the children and those that suck the breasts. Let the priests, the ministers of 
the Lord weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say spare thy people, O 
Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach that the heathen should rule over them. 
AVherefore should they say among the people where is thy God ? Then will the Lord 
be jealous for his land and pity his people. 

' Rev. John Russell.' 

I am the more inclined to publish the preceding account, as ]\Ir. 
Everett observes, page twenty-fourth, that ' willi the exception of Capt. 
Lathrop himself I am not aware, that we have positive informal ion as 
to any that fell, othcers or men,' and iii a note at the close of the book, 
page thirty-seventh, he says that the contemporary 'historians are si- 
lent as to the names of those, who fell with Lathrop,' but observes that 
' since the foregoing pages were printed olf, I have been furnished 
with a list of those, who fell with Capt. Lathrop.' This list agrees in 
substance with the list in the preceding page, which I copied from the 
original some fifteen years ago. Each list contains sixty names, but the 
names of eleven persons, who were killed, are not mentioned. 

Thomas Browne, weaver, resided in the vicinity of Turkey-hill. 
His daughter Mary was the first white child born in Newbury. His 
son Francis was ancestor of John Brown, whose family were carried 
off" by the Lidians in 1695, and ancestor of Mr. Robert BroWn, who 
resides on the land once owned by his first ancestor. 

RiciiARn Brown resided on the spot now occupied by cajitain Dan- 
iel Lunt, on the corner of what was once called South street, but now 
Parker street. 

WtLLiAM Chandler resided near the foot of what is now Federal 
street, then called Chandler's lane. 



CONCLUSION. oi)l 

Doctor ToHx Claek, the first physiciiin of Ncwl.iiry, tradition as- 
serts, was the lirst rej^ularly educated pbys^ician, who resided in New- 
England. In Thaehcr's aiediciil Biography, it is saitl that ' he was 
honored witli a diploma for his success in cutting for the stone.' ]n 
lC-31 he sold a part of his farm, which was originally four hundred 
acres, near Cart Creek to Matthew ChafJey of Boston, "who sold it to 
Richard Thorlaye of Rowley, for one hundred and fifty-five pounds. 
From him descended all of the name of Thorla or Thurlow now in 
Newbury. A likeness of doctor Clark is in possession of the Massa- 
chusetts Historical Society, from which the lithograph in this volume 
is taken. 

Thomas Colman, resided in Byfield, on land, wliich is now owned 
by one of his descendants, colonel Jeremiah Colman. The family of 
Colemans in Nantucket are also descended from Thomas Colman's 
elder children, and those in Newbury are descended from the young- 
est son Tobias, the son of Margery, the third wife of Thomas, and 
who was the widow of Thomas Rowell of Andovcr. The name was 
originally Coultman, that is, Coltman, or one who had the care and 
management of horses. So say English writers. 

Tristram Coffix, junior, about 1651 erected the house, in which the 
compiler of this work now resides, and which is occupied by Tristram's 
descendants of the seventh generation. Tristram CofTyn, senior, of 
whom I have said something on pages 298 and 9, is said to have been 
the first person who ever used a plough in Haverhill, where his name 
is found as a witness to the Indian deed of that town, March fifteenth, 
1G42. He always wrote his name ' Coffyn.' He was a royalist, and 
was, as far as I can ascertain, the only one of the early settlers of New- 
bury, who came to America in consequence of the success of Oliver 
Cromwell. From Prince's Worthies of Devonshire, I find that ' the 
ancient family of this name was settled at Portlcdgc, by the sea-side 
in the parish of Alwington, five miles from Biddcford, and flourished 
there from the conquest, and that from the time of King Henry first, 
unto the age of King Edward second, the space of 200 years, the 
lieir of this family was always called Richard. The present repre- 
sentative of this most ancient family, is the Rev. John Pine Coffin, 
of Portledge.' One of Tristram Coffin's descendants was admiral sir 
Isaac Coffin, who was liorn in Boston June third, 17'59, and entered 
the British navy as midshipman about the year 1770. He was the 
founder of the Coffin school in Nantucket, which was designed for the 
benefit of all the descendants of Tristram Coffyn, senior. 

Captain John Cutting, tradition states, was a ship-master, and 
sailed from Boston and crossed the Atlantic thirteen times. He was 
a man of a great deal of hnmor, and many stories arc told to this day 
concerning his peculiarities, which afforded much diversion to himself 
and others, but which want of room compels me to omit. Winthrop 
in the year 1637, mentions ' Capt. Cutting's ship and a captive Pequod, 
whom the government gave him to carry to England.' 

Richard Dole resided on the same spot of ground, which his de- 
scendants of the same name now occupy. His ancestors went from 
the town of Dole in Bretagne, in 1066, to England. He proV)ably 



392 CONCLUSION. 

came from Bristol, as 1 find his name signed in 1039, to an obligation 
wntleu by Mr. Jolm Lowle, then m Bnslol, and came with the Lowles 
in the latter part of the same year to is'ewbury. He was then but tit- 
teen years of age, and was jirobably their clerk. 

Richard Dummeb was one of the l\ithers of Massachusetts, was 
chosen a magistrate, warmly espoused the cause of sir Henry \ane, 
was one of the disarmed adherents of Mrs Hutchinson, and ' no man,' 
says Elioi, ' more deserved the praise of doing well.' He was very 
rich and equally benevo'ent. He conlnbnted greatly to the ii"pi';'y'-"- 
meut and growth of that part of Newbury, where he lived. Ihe 
lands, upon which the academy is built, were his, and were lelt for the 
supjiort of this institution, 'i'he house in which he lived, stood a 
few rods southeast of the present mansion house. His son Jere- 
my Dummer, was a goldsmith, resided in Boston, and there died in 
1718 He was the father of the celebrated Jeremy Duinmer, and of 
lieutenant governor William Dummer, who founded Dummer acade- 
my Eliot m his Biographical Dictionary, says he was born m tins 
province, which is correct, but not sutficiently definite. The compiler 
of the Dummer academy catalogue says he was born m Byheld, but 
this is not correct. He was undoubtedly born m Coslou. This I in- 
fer from the will of Jeremy Dummer, senior. In it he mentions sons 
William, Jeremy, Samuel, and daughter Auua, who married John 
Powell. Governor Dummer iu his will 1761, mentions Ins sister Aiuia 
Powell. ' He was a man,' says Eliot, 'of such correct judgment, and 
steady habits, such a firm ami temperate conduct, wheu he supposed 
himself right, that the vessel of state was secure though exposed to 
the daun-ers of a tempestuous sea.' Douglas always styles it ' the w-ise 
adminisuaiion of Dummer.' He was in the chair from November, 
17-^'-> to July nineteenth, 1728, and asain from governor Burnefs death, 
September seventh, 17J'.i. till Apri'f eighth, 1730. He died October 
tenth, 1761. By bis will he gave his valuable farm and stately man- 
sion house, which is siili standmg, for the endowment of the academy, 
winch was the first incorporated academy in the state. 

Mr. Nicholas Eastom, another of the early settlers of Newbury, 
was one of Ihe three disarmed adherents of Mrs Hutchinson, and in 
1(;3U, removed to Rhode Island, where be was lieutenant governor of 
the state in IfioO, 1G72, and 167:1 lbs son ,h,lm, who was fifieen 
years of a-'e when be came wilh bis PhiIkt to Newbury, was alierward 
cho.sen to the same office, from 1 6'.)0 to 16;i.3. Mr, Nicholas Easton s 
house stood near where Mr. Nathaniel Dole now lives. 

John Emery senior, in the latter part of bis life resided on the farm 
where Mr. Eliphalet Emery now lives. 

Captain William Grrrish resided near the parsonage land, on the 
road Ictuhng to Trotter's bridge. 

Lauvcelot Granger lived for some time on Kent's island, and with 
his brother-in-law. Jacob Adams, removed to Sufiield, Connecticut, and 
was ancestor of the honorable Gideon Granger of that place. 

Captain Edmund Greenleafe, whom Johnson styles an 'ancient 



CONCLUSION. 893 

and experienced lieutenant' nnder captain Gerrish, in 1G41, went from 
Newbury to Boston soon after the removal of the meeting-house from 
the lower green. In his will, he says : ' next my will is being accord- 
ing to God's will and revealed in his word, that wee must pay what wee 
owe and live of the rest, unto whose rule the sons of men ought to 
frame their wills and actions, therefore,' and so forth. He mentions his 
son Stephen, daughter Elizabeth Browne, daughter Judith Coffin, 
grandchildren Elizabeth Hilton, Enoch Greenleafe, Sarah Winsiow, 
and James Greenleafe, his eldest son's son,' and concludes with the 
following queer memoranda. ' When I married my wife I kept her 
grandchild, as I best remember three years to schooling, Dyet and ap- 
parel, and William Hill her son had a bond of £ 6 a year, whereof I 
received no more than a barrell of pork of £ 3, of that X G a yere he 
was to pay me, and I sent to her son Ignatius Hill to the Barbadoes in 
Mackrell, Sider, bread and pease as much as come to £ 20, I never re- 
ceived one penny of it. His aunt gave to the three brothers £ 50 
apiece. I know not whether they received it or not. I never received 
any part of it. Beside when I married my wife she brought me a sil- 
ver bowl, a silver porringer, a silver spoon ; she lent or gave them to 
her son James Hill without my consent. Witness my hand. Edmund 
Greenleafe. Twenty-fifth December, 1668.' 

TnoMAS Hale resided on the south side of the river Parker. The 
family of Hale is of considerable antiquity and of high respectability 
in England. Thomas Hale, of Codicote, in Hertfordshire, married 
Anne, daughter of Edmund Mitchell, and had three sons, Richard, 
William, and John. Richard, the eldest son, purchased the estate of 
Kings Walden in Hertfordshire, and died in 1620. His son William 
succeeded him, and died in August, 1634, aged sixty-six. He left nine 
children, Pv-ichard, born in 1596, William in 1597, Rowland, his heir, 
George, born July thirtieth, 1601, Alicia, in 1603, Winefreda, 1604, 
Thomas, \(iQ&, Anne, 1609, and Dionisia, March seventeenth, 1611. 
The last mentioned Thomas is supposed to be the Thomas Hale who 
came to Newbury. 

In the notice of William Hilton, page 305, a mistake should be 
corrected. It should be thus : ' a William Hilton, probably not the same 
person, died in Charlestown September seventh, 1675, leaving sons 
Nowell, Edward, and Charles.' 

Mr. Joseph Hills, a man of some distinction in the early history of 
the country, came, as I am informed, from Shrewsbury, in England. 
His original name was Hill, but to distinguish his family from the large 
number of families named Hill, he added the letter 's' to his name. 
Since that time all his descendants have borne the name of Hills. Mr. 
Joseph Hills was representative from Maiden, and S])eaker of the house, 
in 1647. He was also a representative from Maiden from 1650 to 1656. 
In 1648 he was appointed by the Court with Mr. Edward Rawson to 
compare the amendmcmts of the books of laws passed, and make them 
as one, and one of them to remain in the hands of the Committee, for 
the speedy committing of them to the press.' In consequence of his 
labors in compiling and preparing the ' laws,' he was exempted from 
paying taxes for the last five years of his life. 
50 



394 CONCLUSION. 

From liis will I make the following extracts: ' My will further is 
that for tlie good of the iiihahitants of the towne of Newbury that 
there be the sum of forty shillings in money paid into the hands of 
captain Daniel Pierce (or snch other person as the town shall aj)point) 
towards the procuring of a good bell for the meeting house, or such 
other as shall be built for the better comfort of the inhabitants, ])rovi- 
ded the said inhabitants shall make it up the sum of thirty pounds 
within three years after my decease.' ' Also I give my wife luy great 
testament, my book of martyrs and new warming pan.' Three excel- 
lent articles, and rather more consistent with each other than ' my 
great bible, my fowling-piece and negro boy Tom.' 

Solomon Holman, was one of the early settlers in the west parish 
of Newbury. He was born in England, served seven years on board 
of a man of war, ran away in Bermuda, when sent after milk, secreted 
himself in the barn till the vessel sailed, and lived by milking the cows. 
He was discovered by the owner of the barn, who befriended him, and 
gave him employment. He afterward married his employer's daugh- 
ter Mary, came to Newbury, built him a bark, and then a log house, 
on land of which he bought thu'teen acres for a fat heifer. The land 
is now owned by Mr. Jonathan llslcy, from whom I obtained this ac- 
count. Mr. Holman died iMay seventh, 17o3, in his eighty-second 
year. 

John Kelly, one of the original settlers of Newbury, was of Irish, 
as well as of English, descent. Shortly after he settled in Newbury, 
he determined to run the risk of building his house on the north side 
of Old-town hill. His neighbors remonstrated with him on his rash- 
ness, and Anally the town passed a vote, that if, in consequence of his 
temerity, he lost his life, his blood should be on his own head. This I 
am informed on good authority, though the record is not now to be 
found. Tradition also states, that one night, hearing a disturbance 
among his sheep, he went and killed what he supposed to be a dog, 
but which in the morning jnoved to be a wolf His son John built, 
prior to 1690, the house, still standing, which was formerly owned by 
]\Ir. Nicholas Lunt, on the west side of the road north of gravel hill, 
and now owned by his grandson, Mr. Joseph Lunt. The only descen- 
dant of John Kelly, and bearing his name, in Newbury or Newbiiry- 
port, is doctor Elbridge G. Kelly, though many descendants are found 
in New Hampshire, and most of the New England and otiier stales. 
Twenty-six persons of the name are known to have graduated at the 
different colleges in the union. Tradition states that the father of John 
Kelly, the first who came to Newbury, emigrated from Ireland to 
Newbury, England, became attached to a lady of rank, and having 
on one occasion, by his courage, successfully defended her father's 
house when attacked by robbers, he obtained his consent to a marriage 
with his daughter. 

Deacon P^ichard Knight and his brother John resided on land now 
owned by John Knight's descendants of the same name. The deacon 
left no male heirs. I have a piece of poetry which he left to his chil- 
dren. It contains good advice, but whether original or selected, I am 



CONCLUSION. 395 

not able to say. Il is too long for itiseitiou. The following lines are 
a fair specimen. 

' For other men give not thy word 
No farther than thou canst afford. 
Lest afterwards thou shouldest rue 
To pay the debt when il is due.' 

Richard Kent, senior, lived near, or in, Kent street. Richard Kent, 
junior, resided on the island which bears his name. The present 
owners are descendants of James, lirother of Richard, junior. The 
islantl was entailed to the oldest male heir, but in process of time a 
difficulty occurred, which the testator had not anticipated. The wife 
of one of his descendants had twin sons, Joseph and Stephen, born 
May ninth, 1741. 

It has never yet been decided which was the older of the two, al- 
though a long and troublesome law-suit was the consequence of the 
uncertainty, which was at last settled by an equal division of the 
property. 

George Little resided on the land now owned by Messrs. Silas, 
Tristram, and Henry Little, and but a few rods from the house now 
occupied by Silas Little, esquire. He was remarkable for his strength 
of mind, as well as strength of body, but was not an educated man. 
The farms, which he selected contain some of the best land in the 
town, and are still owned by his descendants, at Oldtown, and Turkey- 
hill, where the houses which he built are in part standing. 

The descendants of William Moodet occupy both at Oldtown and 
Byfield, the lands once owned by him. Tradition states that the first 
oxen ever shod in Newbury, or perhaps in New England, were shod 
by Samuel Moody of Oldtown. He at first tried the experiment on a 
dead hoof and, believing it would answer the purpose, soon tried it, 
successfully, on the living animal. For want of a more suitable place, 
I will here mention, that his wife Ma.rywas a grand-c/aughter of ca])ta.m 
John Cutting. 

It has been supposed by many persons, that the name Siloway is a 
corruption of Musslewhite. This is not the case. John Musslewhile 
had no descendants, and, in the next place, I have before me an inden- 
ture, made the twenty-fifth of May, IGfi-'j, between Daniel Mussiloway, 
alias Roger Waldron, in which the said Daniel, 'late servant unto Jo- 
seph Phimmer yeoman, being infected with a very dangerous disease, 
for and in consideration of cure out of said disease, do bind myselfe as 
an apprentice unto Mr. Henry Greenland, Phisition or Chyrnrgion . . 
. . until the full end and term of sixe yeares bee compleally expired, 
&c. And farther the said Daniel alias Roger doe promise and engage 
himselfe unto the abovesaid Mr. Henry Greenland, that if it please 
God that he .shall be cured of the disease he is now afflicted with, he 
will confirm this his act by owning it before the county court or two 

magistrates.' The Indenture is a very long one, and 

contains, among other conditions, the following. ' Taverns or alehouses 
he shall not haunt, except he bee about his master's business.' See 
page 311. 



396 CONCLUSION. 

Joseph Mussey or Muzzey, who lived in what was called Muzzey's 
lane, now Marlborough street, was from Ipswich, and was a son of 
Robert Muzzey, in whose will, dated 1647, I find the following. 'I 
give to ye use of ye poore one ewe goate to be disposed of by the over- 
seers of my will to such as are godly; only the first yeare's use, I ap- 
poynt to my brother Dane, the ewe, if she brings kidds, or else longer, 
and when the goat grows old, I will that one of the kidds be reserved 
for such a use.' ' Goats,' says Josselyn, in 1663, 'were the first small 
cattle they, [the New England peoiile,] had in the country. He was 
counted nobody, that had not a trip or dock of goats. Hogs are innu- 
merable.' 

The descendants of the reverend James Noyes and Nicholas Noyes, 
reside on the land and in the houses erected by them. The house oc- 
cupied by Mr. Silas Noyes in Parker street, is one of the oldest build- 
ings m Newbury. 

Mr. Hananiah Ordway, who was born December second, 1665, was 
one of the first settlers in the westerly part of Newbury, near Indian 
hill. He died in June 175S, aged ninety-two and a lialf years. His 
house was a garrison house, and, on one occasion, in the early part of 
his residence in that part of the town, he saw, in the evening, an Indi- 
an creep in by the gate that led to the house. He immediately seized 
his musket, and fired at the spot where he had seen him enter. On 
examination, he could find no trace of the Indian, who had left his gun, 
and his powder horn filled with rum, and which had been shot off from 
the belt by which it had been fastened to his body. Some weeks after, 
the body of an Indian was found dead in the woods, who Mr. Ordway 
supposed was the one at whom he fired and wounded. The gun and 
horn are now in possession of his descendants, from whom I obtained 
this information. This was perhaps the only Indian ever killed in New- 
bury by any of the inhabitants, but continual caution was necessary for 
many years after seventeen hundred, to guard against attack, which 
the natives might be disposed to make on the white inhabitants. 

The land on which Moses Pettingell, esquire, now lives, was 
purchased by his ancestor, Richard Pettingell, of John Spencer, about 
1652. 

William Pilseury, originally Pillesburgh, bought of Mr Edward 
Rawson, the farm which is now in possession of Mr. Joshua Pilsbury, 
one of his descendants, whose house was built as early as 1700, and 
is consequently one of the very few old houses, which remain in town. 
There is another ancient house, about the age of which there has been 
much inquiry, and some dispute. I allude to the stone house on Pierce's, 
now PettingeU's farm. My own opinion is, that it was not built till 
after 1660 or 70, perhaps later. Some suppose it was erected by Mr. 
John Spencer, to whom tlie farm was first granted. This is not proba- 
ble, as Mr. Spencer returned to England, and made his will in 1637. 
In that will, he gives his farm to his nephew, Mr. John Spencer, who 
did not deed any part of it away till fifteen or sixteen years after. He 
then sold a part to Richard Pettingell, and about the same time sold 
the remainder to Mr. Daniel Pierce, brother of John Spencer, senior. 
On the files of the court, January, 1679, I find the following, namely : 



CONCLUSION. 1597 

' The deposition of Anthony Somerby aged 70. 

' This deponent saith that about ye yeare 10,11 or ,'52 I was at the farm yt Mr. John 
Spencer sold to Mr. Daniel Pierce in Newbury, and Jlr. Spencer and Mr. Pierce with 
myseli'e and another, I suppose it was Mr. William Thomas, and as we were going 
through the land of ye said farme. Mr. Pierce said to Mr. Spencer, you promised to 
give me possession by turfe and tvvigge. Mr. Spencer said so I will, if you please to 
cut a lurfe and twigge, and .Mr. Pierce did cut off' a twigge olf a tree, and cut up a 
turfe, and Mr. Spencer tooke the twigge and stuck it into the turfe, and bid us bear 
witness that he gave Mr. Pierce possession thereby of the house and land and farme 
that he had bought of him and gave the turfe and twigge to JNlr. Pierce and further 
saith not.' ' Taken upon oath 10 Jan. 1670 before me. 

'John Woodbridge, Commissioner.^ 

Now it is not probable that Mr. Pierce, before he had obtained legal 

possession of the farm, would be at the expense of biiildiiis? a costly 
stone house. Other information also leads me without hesitation to 
place the erection of the stone house at least over thirty years after 
the incorporation of the town. It was at one time used as a safe place 
to store the town's powder, and on one occasion, tradition informs us, 
one of Mr. Pierce's slaves placed a lighted candle in a keg of powder, 
which, after some time, took fire, blew out one side of the house and 
lodged the poor negro, bed, and all, among the limbs of a large apple- 
tree, to her very great amazement. The farm, which has had several 
owners, it was the intention of Mr. Pierce to entail, as in his will, he 
says, ' it shall never be sold, nor any part divided.' 

The descendants of John Poor, who lived and died on the south 
side of the river Parker, still own the land, once possessed by their 
New England ancestor. 

The descendants of Fkancis Plumer still own the laud, which was 
once his, near the river Parker. About the year l/Hl or b-5, one of 
them, Mr. Simeon Plumer, found a quantity of gold, of which, since 
much has been said and more conjectured, some account may be ex- 
pected. The story, however, has been much exaffgeiated, and instead 
of a 'pot,' a small amount only was found, probably not far from three 
hundred dollars. The first piece was picked up by a child, from some 
dirt, which had been carried out of the cellar. Shortly, another piece 
was found, and search being made, the amount above stated was found 
in various parts of the cellar, but how it came there, and by whom 
deposited, will probably ever remain a mystery. Five of Francis 
Plumer's descendants, and bearing his name, have been members of 
congress. One of litem, George, son of Jonathan, was the first white 
child born in Pennsylvania, west of the Alleghany mountains. 

Mr. Edward Rawson, afterward secretary of the colony of Massa- 
chusetts, was the first town clerk of Newbury. He was a nephew of 
the reverend John Wilson, of Boston. Two of his sons, David and 
John, went to England. William married Anna, daughter of Nathan 
Glover, July thirty-first, 1673. They settled in Braintrce, and had 
twenty children in twenty-five years. One of the daughters married 
the reverend Mr. Torrey, of Weymouth, another, Mr. Thomas Brough- 
ton, of Boston, and Rebecca married Thomas Rumsey, as appears by 
the two following papers, now on file in the state house, Boston. 



393 CONCLUSION. 

'The testimony of Theodore Atkinson and Mary his wife inhabitants of Boston in 
New Ensiand saith, 

' That about the 3d month in ye year 1C7S Thomas Rumsey came to me and tendered 
his service to me for one year to \vorl{ with me and he told me that he was a Kentish 
man, and that his father lived near Canterbury, and that he was a yeoman and had an 
estate of about ,£400 a year, and also that his father died when he was but young, that 
his father's estate did fUl to him at his mother in law's decease, and also he pretended 
that he came over to New England upon the account of relii^ion, and further he hired 
hiinself with me for a year, for to attend mv business and to keep my book of accounts, 
and lor the gathering in of my debts, hut when he had been about a month with ine, 
he pretended he was one that had been highly bred, but he would not say further what 
he was, but ahout 5 months after he came to me, then he told me his father was a 
Knight and a Baronet, and that liis mother in law was a Lady. So he lived anri carried 
himself, pretending he was highly bred that I the said Atkinson did not set him on 
work, because he promised me he would satisfy me for what charges and e.xpenses 
. . . about him. but a little time alter he came to tne he began to discover himself 
.so as his religion ilid seem to wear away, and hefore the year was expired he changed 
his name aird said his name was Hale, and professed he had been a great traveller in ye 
Stieights for about two and twenty months, and that his mother was called the Lady 
Hale and paid him his money by bills of exchange from time to time, that she was 
a Lady that had .I'ilDO per annum of her own that she brought with her, and that his 
father had about .i'SOO a year and a vast estate, which he durst not, nor would not 
mention least he should be laughed at, and not believed, that all his fathers estate after 
his mother's decease was his, those and such like unheard of stories as those, in which 
is not the least shadow of truth (as the deponents are informed) and as the deponents 
now perceive he inade use of as a delusion to put a cheat on Mr. Edwaid Ravvson of 
Boston aforesaid to accompUsh his abominahle villainy and deceive of his daughter 
Mrs. Rebecca Rawson, whom he was married unto by a minister of the gospel on the 
first day of July 1071) in the presence of near 40 witnesses.' 

The seijtiel of this 'abominable villany ' is quite tragical. The other 
paper .states that 

'Thomas Rumsey pretended to be Sir Thomas Hale jr. nephew of Lord Chief Jus- 
tice Hale, made a respectable appearance, appeared to be well acquainted with Lord 
Hale and being a person of a very handsome address, paid his devoirs to Rebecca 
Rawson, who was accounted one of the most beautiful, polite, and accomplished young 
ladies in Boston, and had the vanity to think herself suitable to make the young Lord 
a \vife. Accordingly they were married and handsomely furnished, sailed for England 
and sat'ely arrived. She went on shore in a dishabille, leaving her trunks on board the 
vessel and went to lodge with a lelation of hers. In the morning early he arose, took 
the keys and told her he would send the trunks on shoie that she might be dressed 
before dinner. He sent the trunks up and she waited impatiently for the keys till one 
or two o'clock, but he not coming she broke open the trunks and to her inexpressible 
surprise she tbnnd herself stript of every thing, and her trunks filled with combustible 
matter, on which her kinsman ordered his carriage, and they went to a place where 
she stopt with her husband the night before. She enquired for Sir Thomas Hale jr., 
they said he had not been there for some days. She said she was sure he was there the 
night before. They said Thomas Rumsey had been there with a young Lady, but was 
gone to his wife in Canterbury, and she saw him no more. Having learned many 
curious works, such as painting on glass, she thought herself able to support herself, 
and on her return to America, she was swalloweil up by the earthquake at Port Royal 
in Amr'iica.' 

Mr. Henry Sewall came to Newbury in 1635, in 1 6 IG ■was married, 
went to England the satne year, was there settled as a clergyman till 
1659; in 1661 he sent for his family to come to Newbury, where he 
resided till his death. He resided in Parker street, (formerly South 
street,) on the north side, a few rods N. W. from Mr. Silas Noyes's 
house. Of Mr Sewall, Jlr. Savage thus speaks. ' This ancestor of 
one of the most venerated families, which has given three of its rneni- 
bers to preside in the highest court of civil and criminal jurisdiction in 
Massachusetts, was one of the first settlers at Newbury. The biogra- 
jrliics of Eliot and Aldcn, and especially the copious collection of 



CONCLUSION. 399 

American epitaphs, II., 115, have well perpetuated the memory of his 
descendants.' 

A note in the Quarterly Register of Febrnary, 1841, to a biography 
of judge Samuel Sewall, stales that 'during tlie one hundred and 
forty-eight years that have elapsed since a supreme court, as such, 
was first established in Massachusetts, a place among its judges has 
been held eighty-four collectively (more than half of that period) by 
four descendants of the above mentioned patriarch of Newbury ; and 
the otfice of chief justice by three of tlieni duiing the collective term 
of eighteen years.' 

T!ie descendants of Henry Short now occupy the same farm, and 
live on the same spot, where their first ancestor resided more than two 
centuries ago. The same may be said of the descendants of Thomas 
S.MiTH, who reside on the spot where he resided, near the 'clay pitts,' 
as they were called, at the foot of Hill street, alias ' West India lane.' 
Captain James, son of lieutenant James Smith, born in 1G70, and mar- 
ried in l('>9r>, and ensign Enoch Little, son of Joseph Little, and born 
in 168-5, were the first settlers on Crane-neck hill. When they went up 
to clear the land, which was about the year 1708, the Indians were 
very troublesome. On one occasion, ensign Little placed his hat on a 
j'ost, which an Indian mistaking for his person, pierced it with a ball. 
^^'llen Mr. Little first came to live on the hill, he rode up, bringing his 
wife, as was the custom of that day, behind him on a ])illion. The 
garrison-house, at his first coming to Crane-neck hill, was on the spot 
where the late deacon Samuel Tenney's house stands. Another gar- 
rison-house was Mr. Hananiah Ordway's, near where Mr. Joshua 
Ordway now lives. Mr Ezra Pilsbury, who died in 1797, aged ninety- 
four, frequently mentioned that he well recollected an Indian wigwam, 
which he had often seen in Ash swamp. 

Antho.vy Somerby resided in a house which stood on the spot 
M'here the jail now stands. The family derives its name from the 
village of Somerby, in Lincolnshire, where the family was settled 
previous to the conquest. The first we have any account of, is Adam 
de Somerby, mentioned in Doomsday Book as a landholder in Lin- 
colnshire. Little Bytham, is a village in South Heath, eight miles 
from Stamford, in Lincolnshire. 

Abraham Totpan resided a few rods north from the house of captain 
Richard Adams, and between that and the house, now owned by the 
heirs of the late Mr. Joseph Toppan, one of his descendants. A part 
of Mr. Abralinm Toppan's posterity have conformed the orthography 
of the word Toppan to the usual pronunciation of the name, and write 
it Tappan ; for instance, the brothers, Messrs Arthur, Lewis, Charles, 
and John, and Benjamin, late senator in congress from Ohio, and a 
few other families. 

There are doubtless many others, unknown to the writer, who reside 
on the soil, which was first occupied by their ancestors, especially in 
the western part of Newbury, which was settled many years later than 
the lower part of the town. There were but few families in the upper 
parish prior to 1700, and the greater part of those resided on or near 
the main road. South of that road, tradition says, one of the first set- 



400 CONCLUSION. 

tiers was Haiianiah Ordwav, son of James, the next Samuel Poor, son 
of Samuel, about 1705, nea"r Indian hill; the next were Enoch Little 
and James Smith, who commenced a settlement on Crane-neck hill 
about 1707, the year that Mr, Little was married. The next was Ste- 
phen Sawyer, who was married in 1719. John Chase, sou of Aqnila, 
born in 1655, was the first of that family who settled in any part of the 
upper parish. The first physician iu. that part of the town, was Dr. 
Matthew Adams, who resided on Crane-neck liill, and died November 
twenty-foarth, 1755, aged sixty-nine and a half years. The first per- 
son who ever went to market m Newbury as a butcher, was an Lng- 
lishnian, named Smith, who was sent by John Chase, in the year 1731, 
with his son David, then a lad of fourteen, whose business was to take 
care of Smith, and keep him so-|er. Nearly all these first settlers lived 
to an advanced age. Hananiah Ordway died in June, 17d8, aged nine- 
ty-two and a half years. Samuel Poor died July eleven, 1769 m his 
eiohty-sixth year. Ens. Enoch Little died April twenty-eighth, 1766, 
in\is eio-hty-first year. Captain James Smith died m December, 17o7, 
m his sixty-second year. John Chase died 26 Febraary, 1740, aged 
eiohty-five, and his son David died 17 Dec. 1802, aged 92 years and 

2 months. Ezra Pilsbury died in 1797, aged 94. Captain Edmiind 
Little, son of ensign Enoch, died 29 Aug. Ib03, in his 8bth year. Mr. 
Samuel Dole built his house on Crane-neck hill in 1730. He died lo 
Dec 1776 in his 75th year. David Dole died 15 Oct. 1839, aged 84. 
Judith Dole died 17 Aus. 1837, aged 90. Jane died 3 Feb 1825, aged 
Bl Amos Dole died 28 March, 1816, aged 83. The first person 
buried in the grave-yard near the foot of Crane-neck hill, was Micah 
Dole, who died m his 7lh year 22 Dec. 1747. The first person bimed 
in the o-rave-vard east of Mr. Stephen Thnrlow's, was Mary, wife of 
Thoma's Chase, 3d, who died 12 Oct. 1725, aged 21 In the same yard, 
a o-ranite pyramid is erected in memory of the late doctor Daniel Noyes 
Poor, and his ancestors, on which, there are, as I apprehend, several 
mistakes The inscription, I believe, should stand thus : Samuel Poor 
was bora in 1G23, and died 31 Dec. 1683, aged 60. Samuel -Poor, his 
son was born 14 Oct. 1653, married Rachel Badoy 16 Feb. 16b0 and 
died ''g Nov 1727, in his 75th year. Samuel Poor, his son, was born 

3 June 1 682, married Hannah, daughter of deacon Bcniamin Morse, m 
Sept 1705, and died 11 July, 1769, aged 85. Ben.iamm, his son, was 
born 5 Sept. 1723, and died 18 March, 1817, aged 93 1-2 years. The 
mistakes are, I think, in the first and second generations. John 1 oor 
died '^3 Nov 1684, aged 69, and not 23 Nov. 1691, aged 81, see page 
14'? Samuel was born in 1G53, and not in 1648, and was not a son ot 
John Poor. Where the first Samuel Poor resided, I have never ascer- 
tained His son, Samuel, lived on Water street, near the foot ot 
Moody's lane, and was living there in 1695. See page 163. 1 nor to 
1724 the peoiile in the West Parish buried all their dead in Sawyers 
hill, with the exception of those, who used the burying-ground around 
Queen Ann's chapel. This burial-ground is now called the Lei eville 
cemetery. The earliest record of a burial in that place which has 
been found, is that of the reverend Henry Lucas, who died August 
twenty-third, 1720. The oldest stone is in memory of Mrs Surah 
Bartlet,who died January seventeenth, 1727. From this date untd 
about 1760, there arc many names found here, principally, if not wholly, 
e|,iscopahans, while all others used the upper yard. The ground, on 
which the chapel stood, with the yard around it, is said to have been 



CONCLUSION. 401 

given by a Mr. John Eayr. For many years, it was entirely neglected, 
but, in 1790, it was enclosed with a stouc wall, and somewhat enlarged. 
In 1S20, it was again enlarged, one hnndred dollars liaving been 
beqneathed for that purpose by Robert Dodge, es(]uire, on condition 
that another hundred dollars should be raised. In the fall of lfc43, an 
associate was formed for the purpose of making repairs and enlarging 
the yard. These things have been done in a substantial and beautiful 
manner, two new gates and a receiving tomb have been added, and the 
whole yard enclosed with stone-wall and palings in a neat and durable 
manner. The total expense has been about four hundred and fifty 
dollars, and the cemetery now reflects great credit on all concerned in 
the undertaking. A substantial granite v^-all was erected in front of 
the grave-yard in the first parish in 1823, and much enlarged by a 
bequest of an acre of land by the late doctor Nathan Xoyes, but the 
yard itself and some of the tombs need repairs, and monuments should 
be erected to the memory of Messrs. Parker, Noyes, and jMoor. The 
Ijurying-ground, on the hill near Frog pond, was enclosed for that pur- 
)iose in 1730. The first person buried in it was a miss Swasey. The 
liill was once called Snelling's hill, probably from doctor William Snel- 
liug, the second physician in Newbury. The alterations and embel- 
lishments, which have, within a few years, been made round the pond 
and the vicinity, have greatly added to the beauty of the scenery. 
These, with the elegant new buildings lately erected on High street, 
together with the Putnam school-house, which is soon to be erected at 
the corner of Green street, will, when finished, render that beautiful 
part of the towm still more attractive. The burial-ground in Byfield 
]iarish was first used as such in 1702. The two eldest inscriptions on 
the grave-stones in this place are as follows : 

' Mehetable Dater of Mr. Henry and Jane Sewall, wife of Mr. William Moodey, 
Promoted settlins: the worship of God here, and then went to her glorified son William, 
leaneing her son Samuel and four Daters with their Father Angus ye 8th 1702 JElat 
38 was the first interred in this place.' 

'HERE LIES YE BODY OF MR. 

■TOSHI'A WOODMAN 

WHO DIED MAY YE :inTH 

1703. AGED 67 YEARS. 

FIRST MAN CHILD BORNE 

IN NEWBURY 

& SECOND INTURID IN 

THIS PLACE.' 

The parish, as has been mentioned, was so named, in honor of 
Nathaniel Byfield, who was son of the reverend Richard Byfield, of 
Long Button, in Susses, and the youngest of twenty-one children. He 
came to Boston in 1674, at the age of twenty-one, and on April twenty- 
fifth, 1676, sent the following petition ' to the governor and council 
sitting in Boston.' 

' The Petition of Nathaniel Byfield. 

Humbly sheweth, That your Petitioner is a stranger in the country and lately 
married and is now Prest to goe out to warre against the Indians And whereas the 
Law of (iod is plain in 24 Dent. .^ That when a man hath taken a new wife, he shall 
not goe out to warre, neither shall he he charged with any business but he shall be free 
at home one ycare. Ynur petitioner doth huinbly request the favour of yr. Honours to 
grant him the Priviledge and henclit of the said law and to grant him a discharge from 
the present service. So shall he pray for your Honours. 

'Nathamiel Byfield.' 

51 



402 CONCLUSION. 

The portrait of judge Byfield, with his coat of arms, was presented 
to the parish of Byfield June first, 1S35, by George Lyde, esquire, of 
New York, a descendant of the venerable jiulge, wlio died the sixth 
of June, 1733, in his eightieth year. 

From monuments in the grave-yard of the first parish, I copy the 
following : 

' To the memory of Tristram Coffin, Esq., who bavins served the first church of 
Newbury in the office of a Deacon 20 years died Feb. 4, 17ULi-4 aged 'i2 years. 

' On earth he pur-chas-ed a good degree, 
Great bokiness in the iaith and liberty, 
And now possesses immortality.' 

' To the memory of Mrs. .Tiidith late uirtuoiis wife of Deac. Tristram CofRn, Esqr. 
who having lived to see 177 of her children and children's children to the 3d generation 
died Dec. 10, 1705 aged 80. 

' Graue, sober, faithful, fruitfull vine was she, 
A rare example of true piety. 
Widow'd awhile she wayted wisht-for rest 
With her dear husband in her Savior's breast.' 

' Here lies in a state of perfect oblivion John Adams, who died Sept. 2, ISU aged 
79. Death hath decomposed him, and at the general resurrection Christ will recompose 
him, when perception and thought shall resume their several functions, and he shall 
become identically the same person, which Deity composed him, and shall be happy or 
miserable according to his dispositions.' 

' Here is interred Mr. Robekt Adams, who departed this life March ye 5, 1773 in ye 
71st year of his age. 

' For near 12 years 
This man an asthma had, 
Above ten years 
He was not in a bed. 
He to murmur 
Was never heard by won 
But waited patiently 
Till his change did come.' 

' Here lys ye body of Ben.tamin Pierce, Esqr. who died May ye I'Jth 1711 aged 42 
years and three months. 

' Pillar 'i th' State he was 
Bid fair still 
At greater things, 
To all yt knew him well. 
Pattern of Vertue, 
Kind to all was he, 
Loued by frinds, 
Feard of his enemie. 
Embalmd in tears, 
Enuey itselfe stood dumb, 
Snacht from ye world, 
In times most troublesome.' 

' Here lyes interred what was mortal of yp Honourable Damei. Pierce Esqr. who 
having faithfully served his generation both in church and military station fell asleep 
April ye 22d 1701 aged CG. 

' Here lies interred a soul indeed, 
Whom few or none excelled. 
In grace if any him e.xceed, 
He'll be unparallelled.' 



" CONCLUSION. 403 

' Here lyes ye body of Mr. Daniel Noyes, who died March ye 15th 1716' aged 42 
years 4 monthes and 10 days. 

' As you are, so was I, 
God did call and I did dy. 
Now children all, 
Whose name is Noyes, 
JMake Jesus Christ 
Your only choice,' 

' Here lies ye body of Mr. Timothy Noyes, who died in 1718, aged 63. 

' Good Timothy in 
His YouthfuU days 
He liued much 
Unto Gods prays 
When age came one 
He and his wife 
Thay liud a holy 
& a pious life 
Therefor you children 
Whos nams are noyes 
Make Jesus Christ 
Your only Choyse.' 

Other specimens of eveiy variety, some of them exceedingly beau- 
tiful, might be given in abundance, but my limits will not permit. 
They remind us of that stanza in Gray's elegy, in a country church- 
yard, in which he says, 

' Their names, their years, spelt by th' unletttered muse, 
The place of fame and elegy supply; 
And many a holy text around she strews, 
That teach the rustic moralist to die.' 

There are, in Newbuiy, several other burial-grounds, both public and 
private, that have not been noticed, but of which, I shall mention only 
two ; one, near the Rocks bridge, in which Mrs. Ann March, wife of 
Samuel March, who died June eighteenth, 1724, was the first person 
buried, the other is the Oak-hill cemetery, a beautiful and romantic 
spot, bounded on its northern and western sides by High street, and 
the Newburyport turnpike, and containing four acres. 

It was laid out in 1842, and so far completed, as to be used for its 
appropriate purpose the same year. The whole expense for the pur- 
chase of land, making avenues, grading and embellishments, has been 
two thousand, five hundred dollars, and, when finished according to 
its original design, will possess still greater attractions as a rural walk, 
especially for those, who, ' Isaac-like, love to go forth and meditate at 
even-tide.' This beautiful and appropriate addition to the cemeteries, 
and burial-places, within the limits of Ould Newberry, owes its origin 
principally to the exertions of IMessrs. .John Porter, John Wood, and the 
reverend Thomas B. Fox, as I have been informed. 

Originally, it was my design to furnish a table of mortality, for a 
specified number of years, of those persons, who died in Newbury 
above the age of eighty, and of those above ninety years of age, but 
the list has increased to so large a number, that is impracticable, and 
is, at the same time, so imperfect, that, were it pubhshcd, it would not 
be of much value. A few instances of longevity, in addition to those 
found in the genealogy, I here insert. 



404 CONCLUSION. 

In nTiS. June s, Stephen Sawyer died in his 91st year. He vvjs then ' (he oldest mnn 
in town,' In June, 1758, Hananiah Ordvvay died, aged 92 l-'i years. He was, at that 
time, 'the oldest man in town.' Since then, a large number of much more aged per- 
sons have deceased in Newbury. In Feb. 1790, Mrs. Susanna Coombs died, aged 9G. 
The newspaper notice is, that she was the oldest ' female in town.' Abel Huse died 11 
March, 17.07, in his 'JAlh year. Ebenezer Huse died .31 July, ITSJ, aged 97. Mrs. Sarah 
Jackman died Dec. 1794, aged Ofi. Widow Catharine Poor died ii July, l&-!7, ngeil 9.5. 
Widow Sarah, relict of Caleb Morse, died 11 Dec lSir),aoed 100 years and two months. 
IMr. Caleb Morse died 22 June, 1740, aged 9.'). Mrs. Lydia Chase, formerly wite of 
Samuel Sawyer, died Nov. LSI j, aged 94. Deborah, widow of Barnes Short, died 115 
Sept. 1767, aged 93 years and 8 months. Mrs. Molly Toppan died 9 Jan. 1833, aged 10-5 
years, one mnntli, and 1-3 days. Widow Elizabeth Moody died 20 Feb. 18"27, aged 97 l-'2 
years. In 177.3. Jan. 'J'j, died Joseph Atkins, esq. in his 93d year. He was born in 
Sandwich, Old England, was 'of the royal navy was in the tanious seafight between 
the English and French in 1392, was at the taking of Gibralter and was a noted 
captain in the merchants service.' His widow, Mary Atkins, and daughter of gov. 
Joseph Dudley, died Nov. 19. 1774, in her 84th year. In Nov. 1774, Mrs. Lydia, widow 
of 'William Sawyer, died, aged 93. Ann Hoyt, widow of Joseph, died 23 Jan. 1794, 
aged 96. Deac. Amos Chase, a native of Newbury, died in Saco March 2, 1818, aged 
99 years and 11 months. Nathaniel Little died 2.5 March, 1S39. aged 93 1-4 years. 
Sept. 13, 1843, Nicholas Noyes died, aged 9.5 years, 7 months, and 10 days. Mary 
Woodbndge died 15 June, 1817, aged 92. Anna Moody died 15 Feb. 1S34, aged 97 
years and 7 inonths. Mrs, Prudence Bailey died 15 May, 1841, aged 93. Mrs. Judith 
Colby died 18 ,\pril, 1813, aged 95. Mrs. Abigail, widow of Nathaniel Emery, died 10 
Dec. 1843, aged 97 1-4 years. Mary, widow of .lonathan Rogers, died 7 March, 1824, 
aged 99. Mr. Timothy Toppan died 2 Sept. 17'.''"'. aged 99 years, and months. Mary, 
relict of capt. William Woodbridge, died 15 June, 1817, aged 92, In 1807, Sept, 12, 
Lydia Smith, widow of Moses S. died, aged 91 nearly. Nov. 24, 18U9. Elizabeth, widow 
of Henry Rolfe, died in her 92d year. Mr. Abner Greenleaf died 1810, Jan. 10, aged 
91. Ezekiel Bailey died G Feb. 1813, aged 9.5 1-2 years. Elizabeth, relict of Moses 
Moody died 19 Feb. 1817, aged 97 1-2. "Alexander Haskell died 11 March, 1817, aged 
93. Stephen Greenleaf died 13 Oct. 1743, aged 91 years and 2 months. Mrs. Elizabeth, 
relict of deac. Cutting Noyes, died 20 Jan. 1746, in her 92d year. Deac. Archelans 
Woodman died 17 March, 1706, aged 94. Robert Adams died 3 Feb. 1769, aged 95, 
Joshua Baynton died Oct, 29, 1770', aged 94. Daniel Sawyer died 22 Oct. 1781, aged 
almost 93. William Grant died 20 April, 178.5, aged 91. A large number of the des- 
cendants of Henry Jaqnes have been remarkable for longevity. Deac. Stephen Jaques 
died about 1779, aged 93. Samuel Jaques died in June 24, aged 9.5 1-2 years. His 
sister, Deborah, widow of capt. Israel .'Vdams, died 20 May, 1837, aged 99 years, and 43 
days. Stephen Jaijues died 29 March. 1811. aged 92 years and 8 months. John Jaques 
died in 1802, aged 84. Sarah died 7 June, 1.80,5, aged 88. Thankful and Betty Jaques 
died in 1831 and 1835, aged each 77. Mr. Parker Jaques is now living in his 92d year, 
and John Jaques in his 90th year. Eliphalet Jaques died in June. 1804, aged nearly 90. 

The average age of twelve children of Samuel and Hannah Plumer, born between 
1719 and 1740, was 73 years. Mrs. Sarah Baitlet died Jan. 1815. aged 99. Joshua 
Noyes died Jan. 23, isn3, aged 96. Elizabeth Thurston die<I 15 Nov. 1819, in her 97th 
year. Mr. Abraham Jaques of Wilmington, Mass. had 10 children, whose ages were 
88, 77, SO, 86, 85, 84, SO, 70, 90, 80 = 826^ averaae age, 82 3-5 years. Col. Moses Little 
died 19 Oct. 1780, aged 90. Catherine, relict of Ebenezer Davis, died 4 Feb. 1840, aged 
99. Henry Adams died 30 Aug. 1837, aged 94 1-2 years. Eunice Dummer died 2N 
Feb. 18,38, aged 96 3-4 years. Mary Thurlow died iu 1803, aged nearly lOU. William 
Bartlet, esq. 8 Feb. 1841, aged 93. Beetfield Sawyer died aged 97. Mary 

Jaques died 30 March. 1805, aged 94 years and 5 months. Jonathan and David Whit- 
more, twin-brothers, born in 1736, were nearly 100 years of age. The former died 29 
March, 1832, aged about 97. 

It was my intention to devote a few pages to biographical sketches 
of many of the natives of ' Ould Newberry,' who have, in various 
ways, distitignislied themselves, and had collected copious materials 
for that purpose, but my limits will not allow of any thing more than a 
mere mention of the names of a very few, whose memoirs, were 
justice done them, would fill a volume. Of these, one of the most 
able, useful, and patriotic citizens of the country, and who rendered 
great service to the nation, during the French and revolutionary wars, 
by purse, sword, and ]ien, was brigadier-general .Iacor Bailey, who 
died in Newbury, ^■en^lont, March first, 18IG. lie was born in New- 



CONCLUSION. 405 

bury, Massachiisells, July second, 17:28, settled in Ilampstcad 1715, 
raised a company, of wiiich lie was ca[)laiii, at the commencement of 
the French war in 1756, was at the capture of fort William Henry, 
and nm the gauntlet at the dreadful massacre that occurred by the 
violation of the plighted faith of the enemy in August, 1757, and was 
one, who escaped to fort Edward. He was made a colonel by general 
Amherst, with whom he was at the taking of Ticonderoga and Crown 
point in 1759. In 1763, he obtained a charter for a townshi[) in Ver- 
mont, whither he removed in 1764. He was ilicre ap|iointed by New 
York, brigadier-general, and soon after l)y general Washington, com- 
missary-general of the northern department, which involved great 
responsibilities, and subjected him to dangers, ditiiculties, and sacrifices, 
of an extraordinary character, and many anecdotes might be related of 
his exploits, hair-breadth escapes, encounters with the enemy- Indians 
and tories, the constant vigilance to escape the scouts, sent from Canada 
to take him, and for whom a reward of five hundred guineas had been 
offered, dead or alive. He made a treaty with the St. Francis tribe of 
Indians, by whom, and the friendly Indians, he was looked up to as a 
father. By means of spies, he acquired important intelligence respect- 
ing the movements of the British, and rendered great services with his 
purse, pen and person at or before the capture of Burgoyne, where he was 
engaged with tv^•o or three of his sons. He sacrified a large estate in 
the service of his country, for which he never received any compensa- 
tion, and was equally distinguished for his talents, his patriotism, and 
his piety. See reverend Grant Powers' historical sketches of Coos, 
and Exeter News Letter, October third, 1S12. 

Brigadier general John Boyd was born in Newburyport, Dec. 21, 1764. 
In 1786, October twentieth, he was appointed an ensign in the second 
American regiment, and when the army was disbanded by act of con- 
gress, be was discharged. On January twenty-eighth, 1787, he was 
appointed, by John Hancock, lieutenant of a company in Boston. On 
April nineteenth, 1786, he sailed for India, arrived at the Isle of France 
January second, 1789, and in July, went to Madras, having procured 
recommendatory letters to the English consul, residing at the court of 
his highness the Nizam, and by whom he was presented in form to 
his highness, who presented him with the command of one thousand 
infantry. The Nizam was then in alhancc with the English, and had 
taken the field against Tip[)oo Sultan, with one hundred and fifty 
thousand infantiy, sixty thousand horse, and five hundred elejihants. 
In 1793, he was a prisoner of war at Ougene,and was released August 
fourth. In 1791, he writes, he was raising two battalions on the parti- 
zan principle. In Scpcmber, 1797, he was in camp Ilydrabad, and 
after many years' service, he .sold out to captain Felose, a Neapolitan 
partizan. He was in Paris in 1808, and, in 1809, w-as ajipointed a 
colonel by Thomas Jefferson, and, in August, 1812, was appointed a 
brigadier-general by James Madison in the United States' service, 
commanded the detachment of fifteen hundred men at the battle of 
Williamsburg, Upper Canada, November eleventh, 1813, distinguished 
himself by his courage and military skill at fort George, and the cele- 
brated battle at Tippecanoe. He was appointed by general Jackson 
naval ofiicev of Boston, March fourth, 1830, where he died October 
fourth, 1830, aged sixty-six. Sec Weekly Messenger, volume eighth, 
page seven hundred and seventy-fourth. 



400 CONCLUSION. 

Mr. RALni Cross was bom in Ipswich August fourteenlli, 1700, 
came to ]\ewl)ury, inairied Sarah Johnson, and was one of the most 
useful, patriotic, and [)ious citizens of llie town, was one of tlie seven 
persons, who made a present of a liouse to Mr. Parsons, whom he 
boarded gratis at his own house for three years, and gave a large share 
of the cx[)ense of building a meeting-house. Ilis two sons, ■ Stephen 
and Ralph Cross, were among the most influential citizens of jSfew- 
buryport. The former was born in 1731, and the latler in 1738. They 
were ship-liuildcrs. Ralph joined the northern army as lieutenant- 
colonel of a regiment raised in this quarter,' and on October eighth, 
was at the taking of Burgoyne. The brothers, with others, built the 
frigates Hancock, Boston, and Protector, for the state. Stephen, 'at 
the close of the war, was appointed superintendent of the excise, and 
afterwards collector of the customs in Newburypovt.' 

Ralph also tilled various honorable offices. From 1790 to 17'JG, 
brigadier-general of tlie brigade to which the corps of Newburyport 
were attached. lie was a commissioner of hnnkrujitcy, and, in lb()2, 
was appointed collector of the customs, where he continued till his 
death. 

Colonel Moses Little was another of those patriots, whose sterling 
qualities of mind and heart, the trying scenes of the revolution brought 
into notice. He was born in Newbury, May eighth, 1724, and died 
May twenty-seventh, 1798. In April, 177-5, he marched to Lexington 
with a company, was colonel of a regiment, formed his men in Indian 
file, and marched on to Bunker hill on the morning of that celebrated 
Ijattle. His black velvet clothes were sprinkled with the blood of the 
wounded and dying. In August, he returned home to attend the 
funeral of two of his children, staid two days, and returned. After the 
troops evacuated Boston, he went to New York, was with his regiment 
at Trenton and Princeton, an<l came home in 1777, on account of ill 
health. In 1779, he was appointed by the commonwealth to take 
command of the naval armament, which was designed to dislodge the 
enemy at Penobscot, but declined, on account of his health. By a shock 
of the palsy, he lost his speech in 1781. For sagacity, strength of 
mind, and imperturbable self-possession, which, in the most trying 
emergencies, never fiiiled him, he was tn]sur])assed. 

William Plumer was liorn in Newburyport June twenty-fifth, 1759, 
went to Epping, New Hampshire, 17GS, elected representative in general 
court 1785, and continued such several years. In 1791 and 1797, he 
was speaker of the house, was admitted to the bar 1787. He was 
senator of New Hampshire in 1810 and 1811, and president of the 
senate both years. He was also senator of the United States from 
June seventeenth, 1802, till March tliird, 1607. He was governor of 
New Hampshire 1812, ISIG, 1817, 1618, and one of the presidential 
electors in 1820. He is member of Massachusetts Historical society, 
American Auti(]uarian society, and first president of Natural History 
society. 

It would l)e gratifying to notice many other natives of ould Newlni- 
ry, with others, who resided here, such as major Enoch and general 
.Jonathan Tilcomb, Jonathan .Fackson, Jonathan Greenleaf, Tristram 
Halton, colonel Jacob, and colonel Joseph Gerrish, senior, and Joseph 



CONCLUSION. 407 

Gerrish, junior, Nicholas Pike, author of tlie System of Arilhnictic, 
Moses Brown, William Bartlet, Jacob Perkins, Theophilus Parsons,' 
whose reputation as a lawyer, and whose profound knowledge in almost 
every department of science, has probably never been surpassed, if 
equalled, in the United States. But the grateful task must be post- 
poned to some more propitious occasion. During the sanguinary scenes 
of the revolution, her citizen.s, both by land and sea, furnrshed their full 
jiroportion of money and men, to carry on the war, with a zeal and 
unanimity seldom equalled, and if, with their characteristic energy, they 
entered largely into the business of privateering, and captured many- 
large and valuable prizes, their losses were also unusually great. 
Twenty-two vessels, with all their crews, from thirty up to one hundred 
and seventy men each, went to sea and never returned, a loss of life, 
compared with which, the massacre at Bloody Brook, which sent a thrill 
of anguish through the whole colony, was a trifle. One of these ves- 
sels was the Yankee Hero, carrying twenty guns, with a complement of 
one hundred and seventy men, commanded''by James Tracy. ' Some 
fifty of her crew were volunteers from the enterprising young men from 
Newburyport and vicinity.' Some families gave up two. There were 
two brothers named Brookings, two Bradbury, two Willard, two Stick- 
ney, and several others. Twenty-three were sons of widows. The 
flower of manyfamihes, embarked on board of her, found thus together 
a watery grave, as after leaving Boston she was never seen.'' The 
America, captain William Coffin, a twenty gun ship ; the Wexford, 
captain Philip Trash, an eighteen gun brigfaletter of marque, captain 
Jonathan Jewett; brig Bennington, captain Hart ; sciiooner Civil Usage, 
canning eighty men, captain Jeremiah Hibbard ; a schooner, command"ed 
by captain Springer; M-ith fifteen other vessels, of various sizes, all 
shared the same fate. The crews of these twenty-two vessels, all 
owned iu Newburyport, probably amounted to more than one thousand 
persons. What, then, must have been the loss of life, at sea, to say 
nothing of property, during the revolutionary war, from the sea-coast of 
New England alone ? We at the present day can have but a faint 
conception of the enthusiasm, that pervaded the country during that 
momentous crisis, or of the sufTeriiigs and privations, experienced by 
our fathers, in that fearful struggle. One of the first privateers, fitted 
out from Newburyport, was called the Game Cock. On leaving the 
harbor, the captain sent a note to his minister, desiring prayers that God 
would preserve him in his attempt to scour the coast of our unnatural 
enemies ! The extent of his petition may be inferred from the fact, 
that his vessel was a sloop of about twenty or tloirty tons, and carried 
four swivels! Another privateer, called the General Ward, com- 
manded by captain William Paissell, was still smaller, as it car- 
ried one swivel, and thirteen men, each of whom had a musket. 
In a short time it took two brigs and a schooner. The schooner, which 
had been given to two of the captors, was retaken, but the brigs arrived 
in safety. I have liad the use of several journals, kept by those who 
had been engaged in privateering. From one kept by captain John 
O'Brien, I make a few extracts. On June ninth, 1779, he sailed in the 
armed schooner Hibernia. On Jiuie twenty-first, took an English brig 
and sent her in. On June twenty-fifth, had an engagement with a ship 
of sixteen guns, from three till five o'clock, P. M., when the Hibernia 
left her, having had three men killed, and several wounded, and was 
then chased by a frigate till twelve o'clock. On July seventh, took a 



408 CONCLUSION. 

schooner, and sent her to Newburyport. July tenth, in compiiny witli 
captain Leach, of Salem, toolv a ship carrying tliirlcen four pounders, 
and on the same day took a brig, and then a scliooner laden with mo- 
lasses. July eleventh, took an hermaphrotlite brig m ballast, and having 
a number of ])risoners on board, gave tliem the brig, and gave chase to 
another brig that was in sight, and took her. He concludes by saying, 
that, ' if captain Leach and he had not parted in the fog, they could 
have taken the whole tieet.' Captain O'Brien was engaged in many en- 
terj^riscs and battles, but was never taken. I have also two other 
journals, kept by the late doctor Samuel Nye, of Salisbury, Massachu- 
setts, who went as surgeon on board the Vengeance, carrying twenty 
six pounders, and one hundred men, commanded by captain Wingate 
Newman, who sailed sixteenth of August, 1778, and returned 1o New- 
buryport, twenty-ninlh May, 1779, having taken and sold in Spain, or 
sent home, September seventeenth, ship Harriet, packet, sixteen guns 
and forty-five men; September twentieth, Snow Eagle, twelve guns 
and forty-three men ; December third, took brigantine Elizabeth; twen- 
ty-seventh December, took brig Francis, having on board two thousand 
• quintals dry fish; on the nineteenth of April, 1771), took letter of 
marque brigantine Mary, bound from Liverpool to Antigua, with furty- 
eight men and sixteen four pounders. His second cruise was onboard 
the ship America, John Somes, commander, who sailed eighteenth June, 
1780, and returned ninth of August, having taken, with the assistance 
of the Brutus, on July fifteenth, ship William, brigaulines Duke of 
Burlue, Kitty and ]3ell, and Snow Beaver ; and on July eighteenth, the 
America took ship Everetta and brigantine Nancy. From a record 
■which appears to liave been kept by one of the crew of the brigantine 
Dalton, I learn that that vessel, commanded by captain Eleazer John- 
son, was taken December twenty -fourth, 1776, and carried into Ply- 
mouth. Of the crew, one hundred and twenty-four in number, who 
were jint into Mill jirison, fifty-four belonged to Newbury and Newlju- 
ryport. Among them were Anthony Knapp, Daniel, Cutting, Richard 
and Henry Ijunt, Olfm Boardman, Samuel Cutler, Paul Noyes, Charles 
Herbert, Jonathan AV'hitinore, and so forth. The crews of many other 
Nevi^buryport vessels were also in Mill prison, Plymouth, and in Ports- 
mouth. In these two prisons there were at one time five hundred and 
seventy-four American citizens. Forty-seven of the crew of the War- 
ren, together with the captain, Timothy Newman, died on board. Many 
of the prisoners were detained in jirison four years. Of the prisoners 
taken in the Dalton, two, namely, llenry and Cutting Lunt,* were on 
board the ]5on Homme Piichard, commanded by John Paul Jones, and 
were his lieulcnants in the terrible action with the Serapis, September 
twenty-third, 1770. 

Mr. Puchard Smith, who went out in a ))rivateer, in the spring of 
1778, was taken prisoner, put on board the Jersey prison ship November 
seventeenth, 1778, and discharged twenty-seventh of April, 1770, dur- 

* Cooper, in his Life of John Paul ,loncs, states that his lieutenants Cutline; and 
Lenry Lunt, were from New Hampshire. This is a mistake. Both of them were na- 
tives of Newbury. In a letter to his father, dated Nautz, April twentieth, 1779, lieu- 
tenant Cutting Lunt thus writes : ' I am liappy to inform you of our deliverance from 
a horrible prison, where we fared very hard. 1 refer you to brother Richard for partic- 
ulars. I have shipped myself for another cruise, and hope 1 shall have better success. 
1 am going in a ship called the Poor Kichard, commanded by .lohn Paul. Tones, esquire, 
Init our e.xpedilion is secret, but 1 hope to he at homo next cliristmas, if my life is spared,' 



CONCLUSION. 409 

iiig which time twolvc hundicd anil seventy prisoners died. When 
discharged, he was obliged to return to Newbury barefoot, and beg his 
way. Tliis is one specimen of the snfl'erings occasioned by war. 
AVhat, then, must have been the aggregate of privation and distress, 
experienced by the whole country during the revolutionary struggle? 

One instance more, and I have done. On December seventeenth, 
177G, the selectmen of Newbury sent a petition to the general court, by 
way of remonstrance, in which they say : ' on the nineteentli of April, 
1775, our minute men and others were called upon to march to the as- 
sistance of our distressed brethren at Cambridge. On the twentieth of 
the same month we followed them with provisions necessary for their 
su[)port. In about two days after they arrived at Cambridge, they in- 
formed us that they had received our provision in picntv, b\it were 
obliged to eat it uncooked, they being destitute of kettles to cook it in.' 
In another place they say, that ' blankets being iniprocurable of the 
merchants, we were obhged to get a great part of them in particular 
families one or two in a place in dilibrent parts of the town.' ' The 
clothing also was collected in small quantities from more than two hun- 
dred places in different parts of the town.' ' By an order of court, 
bearini!; date December, 1775, we were ordered to send three Ions of 
Emrli^h bay to head-quarlers at the same price allowed to those towns 
not one fifth of the way distant,' and so forth. 

Notwithstanding the difficulties, distresses, and privations, which the 
people of America were called to encounter, and of which, petitions, 
like the ^irecediug, give us some faint idea, it is remarka'ole with what 
chccrfidness they were encountered, and vvhtit unwavering confidence 
they had in their ultimate success. Thus, in a letter written by Mr. 
Jeremiah Dole to his wife, dated June eighteenth, 1775, he says : 
'through the good providence of God (ny life* was saved, but we 
expect to go at it again today very hot.' On June twentieth, 1775, he 
thus writes : ' I am well, yet I want to come home, but can 't yet 
before we have killed or drove the regulars, and got the day. 1 keep 
up my courage yet to fight them, and will till I die.' His last letter 
was written September third, 1777. He says, 'we have been dragsed 
very bad. and expect to drive on very soon towards the enemy to drive 
them." On the 19th of September, the day of Burgoyne's surrender, 
he was killed. In a letter, dated R. I, Oct. 14. 1778, written to a 
friend in Newbnryport, iMr. Ilenry Hudson thus writes: 'the niglit 
before last onr tents all blew down, and we were obliged to get shehcr 
•where we could, some in houses, some under stone walls. Our mess 
found jiretty good quarters in an old qnaker's house. It wotdd be 
pretty tolerable, if it was fair weather all the time, hut these nznabrig 
houses arc not .so clever in rainy weather. Who would not bo a sol- 
dier? I must now conclude praying I may be preserved through the 
campaign, till we've drubbed the dogs away.' Here I must cease 
making any more allusions to the interesting events of the revolution, 
and return my thanks to Mr. .Jonathan Kettell, for his copy of Mr. 
Samuel Rolfe's journal of a campaign to Louisburg in 1758, and for 
the reminiscences and facts, furnished him by captain William Noyes, 
who lost his left hand at the siege of Louisburg. The journal of Mr. 
Rolfe contains twenty-six pages, but I have no room for an abstract, nor 
even to give the names of those, who were present at the siege, nor 

* A ball pn5<!ed through his hat in the battle of Bunker hill. 

52 



410 CONCLUSION. 

tlie names of the soldiers commaudeil by captains Jacob Gerrisb, 
William Kogeis, Ezra Luiit, and Benjamin Perkins, as intended. 
On that subject, a volume might easily be written, and another on those 
eccentric characters, who were born or resided in ' Ould Newberry.' 
Who, that ever knew, will ever forget Madame Hooper, or Timothy 
Dexter, or .Jonathan Plumer, or Benjamin Urau, or colonel Cotton, and 
a host of others too numerous to mention, who whilom nourished in 
this region? Could I roll back the wheels of time, and present to the 
eyes of my readers a view of Newbury, as it was in 1115, the picture 
of the actors of that day, arrayed in their antique costume, and sur- 
rounded by appropriate scenery, would both startle and amuse them. 
The huge cocked hat, the full-bottomed wig, the tight breeches with 
the massive silver knee and shoe buckles, the polished manners of 
the ge7itkmcn oH that day, together with tliose marked distinctions in 
society, whicli the revolution and its consequences have almost entirely 
obliterated, have passed away, and with thera have passed the stocks 
and the whipping-post, those relics of a less refined age, wliich once 
stood near the head of Marlborough street. In 17ol, I find the follow- 
ing : ' carving the head of the whipping post, eighteen shillings and 
ten pence.' In 1705, I find the following charge in Newburyport : 
' iron works for the town stocks, four shillings and sixpence, and a 
bowl of toddy, eight pence.' These appemlagcs of civilization stood 
till about 1793, either in Federal street, near the jail, or in Water street, 
near where the custom-house now stands. In the plants of Newbury, 
there is nothing peculiar, with the exception of three species of beach- 
phuii on Plum island, the pruin/s littoralis of Bigelow, and the arcnaria 
prpJoides, or sand-wort, discovered on Phnn island by doctor Pilchard 
SpofTord of Newburyport. There is, also, a kind of grass, now called 
black grass, which was once called pigeon grass. It made its first 
appearance, less than a century ago, on the banks of Little river, just 
below Trotter's bridge, near the place of a ' stand,' where wild pigeons 
^vere once caught in great numbers, and thence derived its name. It 
is now sjircad over thousands of acres, and is every year gaining ground. 
Among the minerals of Newbury, are to be found amianthus, asbestos, 
precious serpentine, limestone, fibrous and granular, dolomite, tremolite, 
iron pyrites, arsenical iron pyrites, iron ore. Nearly all these are found 
in wliat is called the Devil's den, near IMill bridge on Little river, where 
excavations were first made for limestone in 1097. Among the curios- 
ities in Newbury, may be mentioned this locality, and the floating 
island in the meeting-house pond, which is in the rear of the buryiog- 
yard, near the first parish meeting-house in Newbury. A good descrip- 
tion of it may be found in Silliman's .Tournal for l!-:27, page 122, by 
Amos Pettingell, junior. It contains about half an acre of land, which 
rises and falls with the water, which is sometimes eight feet higher 
than at other limes. There are on it six large trees, which rise and 
fall with the island, which, in dry seasons, is perceptibly lower than the 
surrounding land. On this island, for more than a century, there has 
liecn, yearly, a pair of those birds called moor hens, which regularly 
visit it about the tenth of May, and defiart in the fall, with a brood of 
young ones. Whether it is the same pair, or their heirs, who never 
forget their annual visit, I am unable to say. The veteran elm of 
Newbury, mentioned on the last page, is worthy of a visit. Another 
elm tree, still larger, but not so well proportioned, stands in Byfield, 
near Iho house of Mr. Benjamin Pearson. Both of them arc much 



C U N C L U S I O i\ . 4 1 i 

larger than tlie famous elm on Bostou common. Of birds and wild 
fqwl, that frequent Xewbury at dificreut seasons of the year, there are 
between one and two hundred species, of which more than half are 
edible. \^'ilJ tiirkies were abtmdant in Xewbury, as late as 1707. 
Fish, from the ocean, and the rivers Merrimac and Parker, are caught 
in abundance, and oysters of a large size once abounded in the latter 
river, and there is not a day in the year, in which the inmates of the 
alms-house, situated on its banks, cannot oi)tain a sutiicient supply for 
their own use. In addition to the agricultural and maritime advanta- 
ges, possessed by the citizens of ancient Newbury, with the facilities 
of conveyance and transportation, may be mentioned the impulse given 
to all kinds of business, by the erection of manufactures. 

Since 1836, four cotton factories have been erected, and a fifth incorporated. 
The Essex mills, 1836, contain si.x thousand and seven hundred spindles, one 
hundred and seventy-three looms, which manufacture one million and si.x hun- 
dred thousand yards of No. 20 printing cloths, uses one thousand and one hun- 
dred bales of cotton, one thousand tons of coal, and pays to its one hundred and 
forty-five operatives, about thirty thousand dollars per annum. The Bartk-t 
mills, No. 1 and 2, 1836 and 1S40, contain seventeen thousand one hundred and 
thirty-six spindles, three hundred and sixty -seven looms, and with four hundred 
operatives, who receive about six thousand dollars per month, manufacture 
about two million yards of No. 40 sheetings and shirtin<rs, from one thousand 
and one hundred bales of cotton, with one thousand tons of coal. These two 
buildinfrs are one hundred and fiftv-six by fifty, and two hundred and sixty by 
fifty feet in length and breadth. The James mills, 1842 and 1844, will, when 
completed, contain seventeen thousand and one hundred spindles, three hun- 
dred and fifty looms, four hundred operatives, who will receive about five thou- 
sand dollars per month, manufacture about one million and eia:ht hundred 
thousand yards of No. 40 and 60 cloth, from one thousand bales of cotton, and 
use one thousand tons of coal per annum. Its length is three hundred and 
twelve by fifty feet. The Globe mills now in process of erection, are calculated 
to contain twelve thousand and five hundred spindles, three hundred and 
twenty-five looms, and with two hundred and seventy-five operatives, to manu- 
facture seventy thousand yards of No. 14 and 20 cloth per week, use four 
thousand bales of cotton, and one thousand tons of coal per atmnm, at an ex- 
pense for wa^es of about four thousand dollars per month. The goods manu- 
factured at these mills are of the first quality, and furnish employment in 
various ways, for several thousand persons. 

As much has been asserted, concerning the abduction of a certain 
bell by certain persons unknown, and much said that is rather apocryphal 
in its character, I have been requested to stale the facts concerning it, 
which, as near as I can ascertain, are these. 

On Monday morning, October fourteenth, 1639, a bell was found on 
the front door steps of the Belleville church, and, near to it, a sealed 
letter, of which the following is an exact copy. 

' Know all men, to whom these presents shall come. 

' I was born in the year , in London, Englanil, was soon after transported to this 

country and presented to queen Anne's chappel in Newbury, state of Massachusetts, (as 
my label shows,) by the lord bishop of London. After remainina; quietly in the belfry 
of said chappel for many j'ears I was taken by force and secretly hurried. After the 
lapse of a few years I reappeared and was placed in the belfry of a schoolhouse in this 
vicinity. Soon after I was taken down and placed in the belfry of this rhurrh, where I 
called together the congregation for many years — but in the year 1S3S I was taken 
down to make room for a larger personage — in a few moments after reaching the 
ground I was stolen — by whoorn ? no one knows — and placed in the belfry of the 
same schoolhouse now in another street, where I remained until last Saturday evening, 
when I received a call from some friends, which I gladly accepted, and have treated 
me well and placed me where you now find me. 

• Restore me to my lawful owners or beware ! ' 



412 CONCLUSION. 

If tlic writer of Iho ])receding letter intended to tell the truth, he 
was either extremely ignorant, or extremely nnlbrtiinate in the choice 
ol' words to convey lii.> ideas, as tlie following brief narrative of I'acls 
will show. Queen Anne's chapel, as has already been sliown, was 
originally built for a longregatioual meeting-house, but the builders, 
liuding that both town and state refused to allnw ihein to use it for such 
a jiurjiose in lliat place, afterward converted it inio an Episcopal church, 
which they called queen Ann's chapel. The bell, which was regularly 
used from the time of its arrival till 17(i6, willi the exception of a few 
of the last years, when it was used but once in a month, had on it the 
following label : ' |iresenled to ijueen Aniie's cliapel by the bishop of 
London.' The discontinuance of public worship in the chapel, three 
sabbaths out ol' four, induced those who lived in the vicinity, a greater 
part of whom had attended the chapel, to form a new parish, build a 
ineeling-house, which was raised June twenty-third, 1761, constitute a 
new church, and settle a congregational minister. In 1706, imblic wor- 
ship ceased entirely in the chapel, which, 'being thus deserted, went, 
to decay.'* ' The christening basin, wliich is of silver, is in the pos- 
session of St. Paul's church.' * The bible was given, by a Mr. Jack- 
man, to the church in Eoscawen, New Ifampsliire, and the comninnion 
cloth was worn, as a shawl, by a Mrs, Palmer; the bell remained for 
ten years unmolested, and ai.pareiilly unclaimed by any person or 
society, in the belfry of the descited chapel, when the steeple was 
blown down, about a year before the fall of the house, throwing the 
bell into the street Seeing this, I\]r. David Whitmore, an innholder 
in the neighborhood, wheeled il inIo his barn, where it remained for 
some time, unconcealcil and unclainieil, till, at the request of Mr. 
Whitmore, colonel Josiah Little removed it to his own house, where it 
remained, unconcealed, as is well known, till the building of the 
Belleville school-house, where il was used, both for school-house and 
meeting-house, ready to be delivered to any p.erson or society legally 
or equitably entitled to it. Reipiesls were made to Mr. Little to give 
up, or sell, the bell to St. Paul's church. To all these requests, Mr. 
Little's uniform answer was, in substance, this. ' The bell is not mine 
to give or sell. Anv jierson or society, claiming it, can have it by 
substantiating the claim.' Satisfied that no such claim could be legally 
made, certain persons, who they were, or for what motive, I pretend 
not to say or know, determined to obtain possession of the bell, and 
accordingly, as it would seem, employed, for that purpose, some stupid 
agent or agents, whose organs of acquisitiveness must have vastly 
exceeded those of locality, as they did not ap[)(!ar to know tlie difference 
between Kent street school-house in Newbury port, and Pilsbury's lane 
in Newbury. Tliey accordingly made a satl mistake, and instead of 
taking queen Anne's chapel hell, carried otf the Kent street school- 
house bell, vi'hich has the following label: 'Joseph Joyet fecit 17S7. 
Lebeau alia grande angc,' which they, no doubt, supposed meant, being 
interpreted, '))resented to queen Ann's chapel by the bishop of 
London.' The selectmen of Newburyport, however, thought dilfer- 
putly. and, in the course of the day. reclaimed the bell. Having 
failed in this attempt to obtain the right bell, the thieves, having studied 
topography for over two months, and having si'lected what they doubt- 
Jess deemed a suitable time for the accomplishment of their design, 
tietermined to try again. 

* Reverend iloctor ]VIor*s. 



CONCLUSION. 413 

"Twas the eve before Clnistmas, when all thro' the house, 
Not a creature was slirtirii;. not even a mouse.' 
Exeepting three persons, with their coach and one wlieel. 
Intending, of course, the rii;ht hell to steal ; 
Who, with Ibotsleps quite noiseless, crept up Pilsbury's lane, 
Accomplished their purpose, and crept back ai;ain ; 
And tVom that day to this, the compiler believes. 
The bell has been missing, and so have the thieves. 

And now, lest it may be said of the compiler, a.s of llcrne, the 
aiittqiiary, 

'To future ages may ihy dulness last. 
As thou preserv'st the dulness of the past,' 

I close my book with the following beautiful lines of poetry, by mi.ss 
Hannah Gould, conceining the magnificent elm tree, now standing in 
Parker street, before tlie house of Mr. Richard Jaques, which was 
traa.s[)lanted and set out by his grandfather, Mr. Richard Jaques, in 17 13. 

THE OLD EL.M OF NEWBURY. 

Did it ever come in your way to pass 

The silvery pond with its fringe of grass, 

And threading the lane hard by to see 

The veteran Elm of Newbury ( 

Yon saw how its roots had grasped the ground, 

As if it had Celt the earth went round. 

And fastened them down viith determined will 

To keep it steady, and hold it still. 

Its aged trunk, so stately and strong. 

Has braved the blasts, as they've rushed along. 

Its head has towered and its arms have spread 

While more than a hundied years have fled. 

Well, that old Kim. that is now so grand. 

Was once a twig in the rustic hand 

Of a youthful peasant, who went one night 

To visit his love by the tender light 

Of the modest moon and her twinkling host. 

While the star, that lighted his bosom most. 

And gave to his lonely feet their speed. 

Abode in a cottage beyond the mead. 

'Twas the peaceful close of a summer's day. 

Its glorious orb had passed away. 

The toil of the field, till the morn, had ceased 

For a season of lest to man and beast. 

The mother had silenced the humming wheel 

The father returned for tlie evening meal, 

The thanks of one. who had chosen the part 

Of the poor in spirit, the rich in heart. 

Who having the soul's grand panacea. 

Feel all is added that's needful here. 

And know this truth of the human breast, 

Thai wanting little is being blest. 

The good old man in his chair reclined 

At a humble door with a peaceful mind 

While the drops of his sun-burnt brow were dried 

By the cool sweet air of the eventide. 

The son from the yoke had unlocked the bow. 

Dismissing the faithful ox to go. 

And graze in the close ; he had called the kine 

For their oblation at day's decline. 

He'd gathered and numbered the lambs and sheep 

And fastened them up in tlieir nightly keep. 

He 'd stood by the coop till the hen would bring 

Her huddling brood safe undei' her wing, 

.\nd made them secure from the hooting owl 

Whose midnight prey was the shrieking fowl. 



414 CONCLUSION. 



When all was finished he speJ to the well, 

Where the old grey bucket hastily fell, 

And the clear cold water came up to chase 

The dust of the lieUl fiom his neck and face, 

And hands and feet, till the youth began 

To look renewed in the outer man, 

And soon arrayed in his Sunday's best, 

The stitfnew suit had done the rest. 

And the hale young lover was on his way. 

Where through the fen and field it lay. 

And over the bramble, the biake and the grass, 

As the shortest cut to the house of his lass. 

It is not recordeil how long he staid 

In the cheerful home of the smiling maid. 

But, when he came out, it was late and dark 

And silent — not even a dog would bark, 

To take from his feeling ol loneliness. 

And make the length of his way seem less. 

He thought It was strange that the treacherous moon 

Should have given the world the slip so soon. 

And whether the eyes of the girl had made 

The stars of the sky in his own to fade. 

Or not, it certainly seemed to him, 

That each grew distant, and small, and dim ; 

And he shuddered to think that he now was about 

To take a long and lonely rout. 

For he did not know what fearful sight 

Might come to him through the shadows of night. 

An elm grew close by the cottage's eaves, 

So he plucked him a twig well clothed with leaves, 

So sallying forth with the supple arm 

To serve as a talisman parrying harm. 

He felt that though his heart was big, 

'Twas even stouter for having the twig. 

For this he thought would answer to switch 

The horrors away as he crossed the ditch. 

The meadow and copse wherein perchance 

Will-o'-the-wisp might wickedly dance. 

And wielding it keep him from having a chill 

At the menacing sound of Whip-poor Will, 

And his tlesh from creeping beside the bog 

At the harsh bass voice of the viewless frog. 

In short he felt, the switch would be 

Guard, play-thing, business and company. 

When he got safe home and joyfully Ibund 

He still was himself and living and sound. 

He planted the tree by his family cot. 

To stand as a monument marking the spot 

It had helped him to reach, and what was still more, 

Because it had grown by his fair one's door. 

The twig took root, and as time flew by. 

Its boughs sprea^.1 ^vide and its head grew high. 

While the priest's good service had long been done, 

Which made the youth and the maiden one, 

And their young scions arose and played 

Around the tree in its leafy shade. 

But many and many a year has fled 

Since they were gathered among the dead. 

And now their names with the moss o'oigrown 

Are veiled from sight on the church-yard stone. 

That bears away in a lingering fall 

And owns the power that shall level all. 

The works that the hand of man hath wrought 

Bring him to dust, and his name to nought, 

While near in view, and just beyond 

The grassy skirts of the silver pond. 

In its green old age stands the noble tree 

The veteran Elm of ' Ould Newberry.' 



INDEX. 



Adams. Robprt 33. 
Andios, Sir Edmund 147, 151. 
Atkins, Dudley 230. 
Amphisbena, 19.5. 
Arnold, Benedict 24S, 249. 
Anti-slavery society, 281. 
Andover, Institution at 275. 
Aurora borealis, 190. 
Academy, Dummer 227. 

Baptist church formed, 135. 

Bartlet, Joseph 331, 334. 

Bartlet, Samuel 151. 

Barnard, Rev. Thomas 219. 

Bailev, John IS. Ballad, 326, 331. 

Bass,'bishop Edward 207, 383. 

Banks, 192, 281. 

Bell, 60, 167, 172,411. 

Battery, floatin? 259. 

Boddily, Rev. John 269. 

Breakwater, '.iSQ. 

Blown, Mary 19, George. James, and 

Richard, 15.167, 175. 
Boston port bill. 244. 
Bridjes. 121, 224, 259, 265, 280. 
Buryins places, 48, 200, 400, 403. 
Byfield^ 170. 

Bvfield, Judge Nathaniel 401. 
Battle of Bloody Brook, 388. 

Church, formation of 16. difficulties in 44, 

54, 72, 77, 81-113, 214. 217. 
Church, episcopal 176, 184, 206, 271. 
Clark. Dr. John 28, 391. 
Catechism, 2S7-291. 
Celebration, centennial 281-283. 
Chase, Aquila 47, 323. 
Chaise making, 25.1. 
Charter. 148, 1.52. 
Clark, Stephen M. 279. 
Clergymen, names of .370-373. 
Cotton mills, 285. 

Colman, Benjamin testimony of 340-350. 
Colman, Thomas 15, 18,29. 
Comb-making, 225. 
Coffin, Tristram, 43, 49. 
Coffin, Edmund bis letter, 211. 
Common, 36, 140, 145. 
Common Pleas, 159, Court house, 273. 
Colors, cross on tbe 21, 141. 

Dummer, Richard 16, 33. 
Dogs, laws concerning 42. 
Dole. Richard 31, 120^ 
Dark day, 187, 257. 
Dexter, Timothy 229, 266, 274. 



Dana, Rev. Daniel 2G8, 285. 

Diet, articles of 367. 

Easton, Nicholas and John 15. -4lvr< ) 

Earthquakes, 26, 66, 197, 198. C>"-'^'"/ <^^ ^ ^ 

Embargo, opposition to 274, 278. 

Epitaphs, 376-387. 

Freeholders and freemen, 146. 147. 

Fashions, regulations of 55, 58. 

Fever, yellow 270. 

Fort on Plum island, 253. 

Fire in Newburyport, 276. 

Franklin, William 41. 

Ferry, 43, 49, 148, 160, 205. 

Garrison house, 153. 
Garrison. W. L. 2S1. 
Genealogy and grantees, 291, 323. 
Goods imported, pledge against 236. 
Gerrish, Joseph 230. 
Graduates, 38, 3.50, 360. 
Greenland, Dr. Henry 64, 67. 
Greenleaf, Capt. Stephen 162, 164. 

Hurricane, 18,39, 197,241. 
Hail storm, 59, 266. 

Hunt. Elizabeth inquest concerning 159. 
Holbrook, Daniel elegy and criticism con- 
cerning, 193. 
Hyde, Sam. 202. Hospital, 266. 
Hale, Rev. Moses 219. 

Indians, 37, 38, 40, 163, 362. 
' Ipswich fright,' 245, 247. 

Jaques, Richard 194, 195. 

Knapp, Isaac 281. 

Kent's island, 47. 

Knight, Richard presentment of 58. 

Limestone, discovery of 16.'". 
Lampton. Rev. Mr. 184. 
Lowell, Rev. John 197, 222. 
Louisburg, expedition to 215. 

Mall, Market square, and hall. 272, 279. 
Meeting houses, 17, 37. 44. 62, 64, 151. 163, 

166, 16U, 190, 200, 214,233, 207, 272, 278, 

285. 
Milton, Rev. C. W. 265. 
Mason, Mr. Robert 148. 
Moody, imprisonment of 150. 
Morrill, Isaac 153. 
March. Capt. John defence of Casco fort, 

148, 15-1, 170. 



416 



INDEX. 



jVIiisir, %vnrl< on by John Tiif's, ISO. 
Mills, 20, 27. 4;i, 121, 144, 27S. 

Npwbiirv, namo nml srlllfmr'nt, 'J-]'.l 
Npwbnrvport inrorporated, 22S. 
Newspaper lirst published, 24J. 
Noyes. Rev. James 12, 15, 370. 
Noyes. Col. Thomas, 173. 

Palmer. Timothy 2.:,|-,,271. 

Parker, Rev. Thomas II, 12, 15, GH, 374. 

Parker river, named, IGd. 

Parsons, Rev. Jonathan 210,2.03. 

Parsonage, 17, 11.0. 

Parishes. to\vn divided into, IfU. 

Page, Henry killed 281. 

Peqnnd War. 22. 

Philip's war, 117. 3SS. 

Pest house, 227. Poor house, IG7. 

Plant, Rev. M. 183, 1&4. 207. 3S1. 

' Pope day.' celebration of 24U. 

Plum Island 28, .50. C4, 122. 

Pliimer, Francis 1.5. 19,26. 

Popkin. Rev. John S. 274. 

Pound. 1-0. 

Potatoes, 190, 

Provisions and labor, price of legulated, 

34, 25G. 
Punishment for theft, 243. 

Quakers, 01, C7, 120, 1S7, 223. 

Rawson, Mr. Kdward .OS, 397. 
Richardson, Rev. John 11.0, 133. 
Rogers, Hester execution of IGS. 
Rojers. Abner his death, 2S3. 
Rolfe, Rev. Benjamin 334. 
Rope walk, 218. 
Religion, revival of, 210, 212, 213 



Slaves and slavery. 1.74, LSS, 241, 2-07. 334: 

Sewall, Henry and Samuel 13. 32, 01, SOS. 

Selectmen, 19. 

School house, 57. ' 

Schoolmaster, 32. 

Sheep, manner of keeping 13S. 

Stamp act, 230,232. 

Ship-yard and shipping, 31, 191, 274. 

Snow, great fill of 189. 

Snelling, Dr. William presentment of 55. 

Tavern, first kept 19. 

Titcomb, Col. Moses death of 222. 

Thomson. Rev. Edwin 1.56, 108, 100. 

Toppan, .\braham 24, 399. 

Toppan, Rev. Christopher 100, 164, 213, 

370. 
Town house, built I9C. 
Tucker, Rev. .John 215,232. 
Turnpike, Newburyport. 273. 
Throat distemper, 198, 204, 200, 20S. 
Tylhing men, 121. 

Vickery, Joshua tarred and feathered, 320. 

Washington's visit to Newbury, 262. 

War, disapprobation of 278. 

West Newbury, incorporated, 270. 

Webster, Elizabeth punished. GO. 

Whitefield, 209, 215. 238. 

White, Mr. Paul's wharf, 60, 6.5. 

Witchcraft, 48, Gl. 122, 125, 127, 134, 1.07. 

Winter, severe 189. 

Wigs, opposition to 220, 221. 

Wolves, 42. 

Woolen factory. 207. 

Woodman. Joshua 21. 

Worship, manner of 307. 

Woodbrid!;e, Rev. John 22. OS, 09, 190, 201. 

Wardwell, Lydia punished, 60. 



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